Author Archives: Roma Foundation

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Scholarships

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Scholarships

The ROMEA scholarship program has long helped young Roma men and women overcome financial obstacles associated with studies. In addition to scholarships, it also offers them mentoring, educational activities and the opportunity to meet other students regularly.

The annual scholarship is 15,000 crowns (620 euros) for high school students, 21,000 crowns (870 euros) for students of higher vocational schools and 26,000 crowns (1075 euros) for university students. The support is intended primarily for expenses related to studies, such as textbooks, school supplies, travel, tuition, courses or other costs that may be an obstacle for students and their families in continuing their education.

Since 2016, the program has awarded 805 scholarships worth a total of almost 14 million crowns and supported hundreds of students from all over the Czech Republic.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

ARA Fest

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ARA Fest

From Thursday, July 2 to Saturday, July 4, Pilsen will become the venue for the jubilee 10th year of the multi-genre art festival of Roma culture ARA FEST. The program will offer concerts, theater, an exhibition, community activities for children and youth and a festival tram with live music.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Roma Communities

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Roma Communities

The Slovak Association of Towns and Villages (ZMOS) discussed new responsibilities for municipalities regarding waste management and the inclusion of Roma communities during a meeting on July 1, 2026.

The meeting focused on the socio-geographic mapping of Roma communities, the Roma map portal, and the evaluation of action plans for the years 2022-2024, emphasizing early childhood care accessibility for marginalized Roma communities.

New data from the Roma atlas indicates an increase in the number of documented Roma communities and their population, highlighting the importance of community perspectives in public policy.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Art Camp

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Art Camp

The Herényiek Házában art camp in Hungary, initiated by the Szombathely Roma National Self-Government, has become an annual celebration of art and community since its inception in 2015, supported by local government.

Artists from across the country gather to collaborate and learn from each other, fostering dialogue between Roma and Hungarian communities, with this year’s theme focusing on Plein air art. Local officials, including the deputy mayor, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its importance in promoting quality cultural programs outside the city center.

Austria News Western Europe

Butchu Festival

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Butchu Festival

The Roma-Butschu festival in Burgenland celebrates the traditions of the Roma community, featuring performances from various ethnic groups, including Croatian and Hungarian ensembles.

Notable performances included the Leon Berger Band and Romano Rath, with a special appearance by the Slovenian band Romano Glauso, who emphasized the need for Roma unity against discrimination.

The next Roma-Butschu is planned for next year at a new venue that will enhance cultural exchange and community interaction among different ethnic groups.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Reporting

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Reporting

The Slovak government has decided that the annual report from the government commissioner for Roma communities will be submitted by the end of September starting in 2027, changing the previous March deadline.

This change aims to align the submission date of the annual report with the Monitoring Report on the implementation of action plans for the Strategy for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation of Roma until 2030. The government states that this adjustment will eliminate duplicate data collection and reduce administrative burdens for the relevant ministries.

It also undermines transpareny by postponing the reporting by nearly 6 months…

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Brawl in Sered

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Brawl in Sered

A recent incident involving Roma armed with weapons has raised concerns about public safety in the town of Sereď, Slovakia, prompting discussions about the security situation.

The article highlights a perceived return to previous safety issues in the area, with increasing conflicts among Roma community members being documented.

Local authorities are urged to engage with government representatives to address minority issues and improve safety in the community.

News Eastern Europe Ukraine

Hepatitis

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Hepatitis

A Hepatitis A outbreak has been reported in the Drugetháza community in Zakarpattia Ukraine, primarily affecting the Roma population, prompting health authorities to take measures to contain the infection.

Local health services are monitoring the situation, disinfecting public spaces and wells not connected to the central water supply, and restricting children from the outbreak area from attending schools until they meet health guidelines.

Authorities are urging residents to adhere to hygiene practices, avoid large gatherings, and consume only safe drinking water, as the disease poses a higher risk to children and the elderly.

Bosnia News Eastern Europe

Conference in Bosnia

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Conference in Bosnia

A conference supported by the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina focused on the political participation of national minorities and proposed changes to the electoral law to ensure their representation at various government levels.

Council Chairman Mujo Fafulić emphasized the need for guaranteed seats for national minorities in the electoral law, aiming for representation by 2028 and 2030.

OSCE officials highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making and the ongoing challenges in implementing legal protections for national minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Mahala Transformation

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Mahala Transformation

The neighborhood of Hadji Dimitar in Kavarna, Bulgaria, has transformed from a place associated with poverty and crime to a model of community development, attracting attention from European experts.

Former mayor Tsanko Tsonev implemented a plan that allowed residents to build legally, leading to improved living conditions and community integration.

The local kindergarten plays a crucial role in early education, helping children learn Bulgarian and fostering a positive environment for development.

https://youtu.be/9vnNBZKO19Y

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Podgorica Summit

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Podgorica Summit

The 2nd European Roma Summit in Podgorica focused on the position of Roma in Europe, media roles, education, youth participation, and collaboration between institutions and civil society organizations.

Discussions included improving human rights, combating discrimination, preserving Roma identity, and increasing Roma representation in decision-making processes.

A panel on digital journalism highlighted the importance of media in empowering the Roma community and breaking stereotypes, emphasizing the need for more Roma voices in media and digital platforms.

Podgorica Summit

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Politics and Roma

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Politics and Roma

Srđan Šajn, president of the Roma Party, accused the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) of exploiting Roma individuals living on social assistance by paying them to attend a rally on June 27.

He claimed that authorities distributed between 3,000 and 5,000 dinars to Roma from socially vulnerable neighborhoods to ensure their attendance, with evidence of this shared on social media.

Šajn criticized the government for relying on coerced individuals and marginalized groups to demonstrate power, while also noting that President Vučić failed to address other minority groups lacking political strength.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma Gatherings

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Roma Gatherings

The presence of Roma in public spaces in Mytilene has reached an intolerable level for residents and visitors, leading to public health and safety concerns due to poor hygiene conditions.

The Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, and Deputy Mayor Kostas Chalkias visited the Dodecanese Police Directorate to discuss concerns about gatherings of Roma on the island.

The municipal authorities are worried about the emergence of new unauthorized gathering places for Roma and are considering involving the Prosecutor’s Office if necessary.

Bad …

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Fishing …

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Fishing …

A fishing competition (YES!) between police and Roma community took place on June 26 at the Paksi Atomerőmű fishing lake in Tolna County, marking its tenth anniversary.

The event was organized by the Tolna County Police Headquarters in collaboration with the local Roma self-government, with police colonel Dr. Nikoletta Hablicsek as the main patron.

The competition was won by Roma representative Györgye Mátyás, with police officer Zsiga Péter in second place and Orsós Károly in third; a special prize for the largest fish was awarded to Kovács Márton.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenian Conference

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Slovenian Conference

The conference focused on the development of the Roma community’s position over the last two decades, current challenges, and strengthening Roma activism and representation.

Key speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between state institutions, local communities, and Roma representatives, highlighting the need for connecting formal rights with real-life improvements.

Discussions included Slovenia’s legal and financial framework for the Roma community, the significance of targeted funding, and the ongoing challenge of linking mechanisms to measurable outcomes and effective participation in decision-making.

News Western Europe United Kingdom

UK and Roma

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UK and Roma

Alexandra Bahor, a Roma activist in Liverpool, advocates for Roma rights and challenges stereotypes about Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities, emphasizing their diversity and unique needs.

She highlights the importance of meaningful partnerships between GRT communities and organizations, advocating for their involvement in decision-making processes.

Alexandra calls for recognition of anti-Gypsyism as a specific form of racism and encourages individuals to question stereotypes and listen to Roma voices to foster understanding and change.

News Switzerland

Jenische in Switzerland

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Jenische in Switzerland

The Swiss government acknowledges the historical persecution of Jenische and Sinti communities, recognizing it as a crime against humanity and plans to investigate these injustices through an independent commission.

Jenische writer Isabella Huser emphasizes the importance of understanding this dark chapter in Swiss history for the benefit of all Swiss citizens and advocates for immediate action to address ongoing discrimination against these communities.

The government has previously provided financial support to Sinti and Jenische organizations, but there is a call for more substantial changes to improve their living conditions and end discrimination.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Rom and Doctor

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Rom and Doctor

Ján Deme, an eye doctor from Slovakia, discusses the challenges and successes of being a Roma in the medical field, emphasizing the importance of role models and community support for aspiring Roma professionals.

He highlights the need for systemic changes in the Roma community to foster more doctors, advocating for sustainable and effective solutions rather than just financial aid.

Deme shares his experiences in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic, noting the differences in healthcare systems and expressing a desire to contribute positively to his community while maintaining his professional identity.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Education in Slovakia

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Education in Slovakia

Milan Dulina, the director of a school in the Luník IX district, emphasizes the need for systemic changes to improve education for Roma children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He highlights the importance of community involvement in schools, noting that hiring local staff has led to better discipline and respect among students.

The school has achieved notable successes, including sports achievements and a reduction in absenteeism, by fostering a positive environment and engaging students in their education.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Raspberries

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Raspberries

The raspberry harvest season has led many Roma families from southern Serbia to travel to the western part of the country, known for raspberry production, with seasonal workers often traveling by bus.

Daily wages for raspberry pickers start at 5,000 dinars, with some workers earning more based on their performance, and employers typically provide accommodation and meals.

Seasonal work is crucial for many Roma families, who often move from one harvest to another throughout the summer, with the income supporting household expenses and family needs.

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