Author Archives: Roma Foundation

Greece News Western Europe

Brawl

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Brawl

MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou discussed a controversial incident at a kindergarten in Ano Liosia, where a principal was filmed yelling at children, leading to a parent’s attack on her.

Latinopoulou claimed the issue is longstanding and highlighted the challenges teachers face, while also criticizing the behavior of the Roma community, using derogatory terms.

The principal has filed charges against the child’s parents, and the father admitted to hitting the principal, acknowledging it was a mistake.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Sentenced

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Sentenced

The County Court in Karlovac has sentenced three members of the Amić family to a total of nine years and nine months in prison for various crimes, including incitement to murder. The family is one of the most powerful and rich Roma families in the region.

Darko Amić received a sentence of five years and six months, while his wife Nada and their son-in-law Ivan Odorović received three years and six months and nine months, respectively.

The case has attracted significant public attention due to the Amić family’s wealth and notoriety, particularly after a New Year’s celebration involving gunfire was shared on social media.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Education in Romania

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Education in Romania

A meeting on September 28 focused on improving access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities for Roma communities in Maramureș, Romania.

Key issues discussed included reserved spots for Roma candidates in police schools and the enrollment of Roma students in local schools, with 3,872 Roma students registered in the 2026-2027 school year.

Access to healthcare was also addressed, revealing that 125 Roma individuals in Baia Mare are not registered with a family doctor, prompting plans for further collaboration to enhance their access to medical services.

News Switzerland

Jenische in Switzerland

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Jenische in Switzerland

The canton of Freiburg has initiated a project to support the education of children from traveling Jenische families, following the recognition of Jenische and Sinti as national minorities in Switzerland in 1999.

A guide has been created to ensure the integration and educational support of students from Jenische families, focusing on cultural awareness and joy in learning.

Educational activities have been developed for French-speaking schools, with materials being translated into German, addressing the history and culture of the Jenische community and promoting understanding among students.

News Western Europe Portugal

Portugal and Roma

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Portugal and Roma

Roma in Portugal face challenges, with communities present since the 15th century.

An exhibition in Barcelos features photographs that delve into the diverse aspects of Roma identities, highlighting their stories, cultures, and struggles for recognition in a marginalizing society.

Photographers Osvaldo Grilo and Natália Serrana aim to illustrate how various Roma communities navigate and assert their identities in a changing country.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Roma Community Council of Slovenia has opened its first office in southeastern Slovenia, located in Kočevje, to improve connections with the Roma community, municipalities, and organizations in the region.

A full-time coordinator will manage the office, facilitating initiatives, sharing information, and enhancing communication between local Roma and the council.

Local and state representatives expect the office to foster better dialogue on issues related to education, employment, and the integration of Roma individuals.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

National Council of Minorities

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National Council of Minorities

The Republic Electoral Commission announced the electoral list “United Roma for a United Serbia” led by Dejan Lajković for the upcoming elections for the National Council of the Roma National Minority, scheduled for November 8.

Marina Đukanović, a member of the RIK, stated that the electoral list was received yesterday and that 35 members will be elected to the national council.

According to the temporary resolution from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, at least 610 verified statements are needed, which is one percent of the 61,030 registered voters on the special electoral roll.

Austria News Western Europe

Burgenland Roma

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Burgenland Roma

An article which discusses the omission of Roma in a column about the coexistence of ethnic groups in Burgenland, Austria, highlighting the presence of over 3,000 Roma individuals in the region.

It mentions Manuela Horvath, the first Roma city councilor in Austria, emphasizing her role in promoting inter-ethnic relations beyond Burgenland.

The author reflects on the lack of education about the Roma during their school years and acknowledges the need for recognizing and admitting mistakes in public discourse.

Bulgaria France News Eastern Europe News Western Europe

Bulgaria Exhibition

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Bulgaria Exhibition

The French Institute of Bulgaria is hosting the launch of the exhibition “Sillages” on October 8, 2026, which focuses on the history and presence of Romani communities in France, featuring discussions with experts Cécile Canut and Ognyan Isaev.

The exhibition, designed by the National Museum of Immigration History in Paris, aims to shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of these communities to French society and the stereotypes they face.

The event will include discussions in French and Bulgarian, with simultaneous interpretation, and will explore the narratives surrounding Romani communities and the impact of misinformation on their representation.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

33 Steps

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33 Steps

The psychological drama “33 Steps” is inspired by the true story of Milan Daniel, a Rom who, following a brutal attack, lives in a state of constant fear and danger, haunted by nightmares and visions. This trauma also affects his family, particularly his son, Mili. Although the film is based on real events, the original directorial approach of the debutant husband-and-wife team, the Domčeks, masterfully blurs the line between documentary and fiction.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Exhibition

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Exhibition

The Bura Gallery in Budapest hosted an exhibition titled “Right Here Right Now” by Roma artist Béla Váradi, focusing on the representation of Roma identity through staged photography rather than traditional documentary styles.

The exhibition features well-known figures from the Roma community, showcasing their stories in a vibrant and humorous manner, challenging stereotypes and societal perceptions.

Váradi emphasizes the importance of Roma individuals participating in their own representation, aiming to reclaim the narrative around their identity and experiences.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Roma and Elections

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Roma and Elections

Former cultural minister Balázs Hankó has been accused of misusing cultural funding to support political campaigns, particularly benefiting the Fidesz party ahead of elections.

A scandal arose when a Roma cultural organization received significant funding shortly before the elections, with its leader allegedly distributing gift cards to voters in support of Hankó’s candidacy.

The article suggests that a secret fund of 17 billion forints was used to support Fidesz-affiliated artists and events, raising concerns about transparency and the integrity of cultural funding.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Croatian Roma Festival

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Croatian Roma Festival

The 18th Festival of Romani Song and Dance took place on September 27, 2026, in Beli Manastir, Croatia, celebrating Romani culture and traditions.

The event aimed to preserve Romani cultural heritage, language, music, and traditional dance while strengthening ties between the Romani community and local society.

The festival highlighted the importance of cultural identity and intergenerational connections, showcasing Romani creativity to a broader audience.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

PISA and Roma

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PISA and Roma

Juraj Čokyna has been working on education for students from generational poverty for a decade, focusing on the impact of socio-economic backgrounds on educational outcomes in Slovakia.

Recent PISA test results indicate that socio-economic factors significantly affect Slovak students’ performance, with experts noting that the education system struggles to address these inequalities.

Čokyna emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle early school leaving, highlighting the importance of understanding the diverse reasons behind it, including mental health issues and financial barriers.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Verzió Festival

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Verzió Festival

The 23rd Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival will showcase over eighty films in Budapest and eight other cities, focusing on the theme of trust in what we see amidst the rise of AI and manipulated images.

The festival opens on November 16 with the Hungarian documentary “Papa,” which highlights the diversity of Roma communities and features films by Roma creators.

The event will include discussions and community-building activities, supported for the first time by the National Film Institute with a significant financial contribution.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Achaia

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Roma in Achaia

The registered Roma population in Achaia exceeds 9,000, with the highest concentration in Western Achaia, particularly in the municipality of Western Achaia with 6,304 individuals. As usual, how do they know this? Who decides?

In Patras, approximately 2,500 Roma are spread across 17 areas, with significant numbers in the Southern and Central districts.

The demographic data indicates a high proportion of minors among the Roma population in Patras, highlighting the need for access to education and social services.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

“Between Days, Between Nights”

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“Between Days, Between Nights”

The documentary film “Between Days, Between Nights” premiered at the French Institute in Bulgaria as part of the Sofia Documental festival and is competing for the best Bulgarian documentary film award.

The film chronicles the life of Stefka Nikolova in the Sliven neighborhood “Nadezhda” from 2007 to 2022, providing an intimate look at a community marked by poverty, isolation, and segregation.

The discussion includes insights from Roma activist Dimitar Georgiev, who shares his perspective on history, cultural identity, and the role of Roma in contemporary society.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Stolipinovo

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Stolipinovo

Stolipinovo, the Roma Mahla in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is often viewed negatively. Local activist Georgi Kochev aims to change perceptions through guided tours that showcase the area’s culture and traditions.

The tours, inspired by American content creator Drew Binsky’s visit, highlight the unique experiences and vibrant life of the Roma community, challenging stereotypes.

Kochev envisions a future for Stolipinovo with improved living conditions and green spaces, emphasizing the importance of community support and positive change.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Brawl

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Brawl

A violent conflict erupted in Nanov, Teleorman, involving two Roma families who clashed with bats and swords after a traffic dispute.

Video footage shows individuals attacking a car, causing damage and using weapons, indicating the severity of the confrontation.

The altercation stemmed from a longstanding dispute over property, exacerbated by recent traffic provocations, and occurred in the middle of the road, endangering others.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

Nantes, in Western France is by now the largest focus of news about Roma in France. Politicians from the local majority are firmly condeming increasingly racist attackas against Roma in social media, which is to be praised. Two other artciles, one about relodging folowwing a fire, and one about animal maltreatance.

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