Author Archives: Roma Foundation

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Romane Media

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Romane Media

Minority media in Serbia, particularly Roma media, face existential threats due to lack of systemic support and sustainable funding, relying heavily on project-based financing.

The editor of ROMINFO media warns that the current funding system is unsustainable, jeopardizing the survival of media that serve national minorities and their cultural identity.

Experts emphasize that the disappearance of minority media would lead to a loss of reliable information for citizens in their native languages and diminish media pluralism, impacting democratic development.

Austria News Western Europe Sweden

Lars Lindgren

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Lars Lindgren

Lars Lindgren focused on the cultural and linguistic rights of Roma in Sweden, emphasizing the importance of preserving their identity in modern society.

His 2011 report highlighted that legal recognition is insufficient if Roma still face discrimination and fear of revealing their heritage.

Lindgren advocated for better educational resources and awareness of Roma history and culture, asserting that Roma rights are intertwined with issues of culture, recognition, and human dignity.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Erasmus in Romania

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Erasmus in Romania

Pál Boglárka and Tornai Szilárd, local officials in Székelyudvarhely / Odorheiu Secuiesc in Romania, resigned from their positions due to controversies surrounding an Erasmus+ project that allegedly favored local politicians over Roma youth.The controversy arose after a report revealed that the Erasmus project, intended to support disadvantaged youth, did not adequately benefit Roma participants, leading to public scrutiny and resignations

The mayor praised their decision as a demonstration of political responsibility, emphasizing the importance of accountability in public life.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Women Health in Hungary

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Women Health in Hungary

Romnja in Hungary face systemic control in healthcare, often losing autonomy over their bodies, exemplified by a 2006 case of forced sterilization. They experience double discrimination and skepticism from medical staff, leading to a significant loss of trust in the healthcare system, which adversely affects their health and quality of life.

The article highlights the underrepresentation of Roma women’s experiences in feminist movements and medical discussions, emphasizing the need for a more equitable healthcare system that acknowledges their unique challenges.

Italy News Western Europe

Corsa degli Zingari

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Corsa degli Zingari

The ‘Corsa degli Zingari’ is an ancient tradition in Abruzzo, characterized by elements of faith, devotion, and competition, officially presented for the 2026 edition scheduled for September 6 in Pacentro.

The event, dedicated to the worship of the Madonna di Loreto, attracts many participants who run barefoot through challenging terrain, showcasing the blend of sacred and profane elements in the culture.

Local officials emphasize the event’s growing international recognition and its role in promoting tourism and cultural heritage in the region.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbia and Roma

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Serbia and Roma

The Commissioner for Equality, Milan Antonijević, suspended the procedure against Dragan J. Vučićević for discrimination against the Roma minority, following a complaint from Initiative A11 regarding Vučićević’s statements about Roma stealing copper wires.

Roma leaders express disappointment over the decision, arguing that a mere warning is insufficient and sends a dangerous message that discrimination and hate speech are tolerated.

Critics highlight the need for stronger institutional responses to racism and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens, including the Roma community.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Success Story

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Success Story

Olimpia, a young Romni from a modest background, has successfully passed her Bacalaureat exam and aims to enroll in the Medical Faculty in Cluj-Napoca, showcasing that ambition and hard work can overcome obstacles.

Supported by the Roma Party Pro Europa, she serves as an inspiration for other Roma students to pursue higher education despite challenges such as school dropout rates and limited opportunities. Her story emphasizes that educational success is achievable regardless of one’s background, and it can serve as a powerful motivator for others in disadvantaged communities.

The fact they chose a pricture that looks more like a police view of criminals with hidden faces says a lot about the fear of Roma to out themselves in Romania.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Roma in Budapest

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Roma in Budapest

A research commissioned by the Józsefváros Municipality aims to explore the challenges and needs of the Roma community in Józsefváros, focusing on issues like housing, education, healthcare, employment, culture, and women’s status.

The study will utilize a combination of focus group discussions, surveys, and professional interviews, targeting around 300 participants who identify as Roma and are over 18 years old.

The research contract was awarded to TÁRKI and Uccu through an open tender, evaluated on methodological soundness, prior experience, research elements, and cost.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma Settlement

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Roma Settlement

Representatives from the Office for Nationalities visited a Roma settlement in Dolga Vas to discuss the challenges faced by the Roma community and share best practices for their inclusion and empowerment.

Roma councilor Nataša Horvat highlighted the responsibilities and challenges of representing the Roma community, emphasizing the need for perseverance and courage in creating positive change. The discussions underscored the importance of mutual respect, collaboration, and honest dialogue in achieving sustainable changes for the community.

Frankly, with the small number of Roma in the country, this problem could have been solved earlier…

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Really?

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Really?

A Slovenian Roma community representative in Brezje–Žabjak claims that a 19-year-old pregnant woman was left homeless after her residence was demolished without prior notice from authorities.

The representative is urging the mayor and local government to provide temporary housing for the woman and to clarify the legal basis for the demolition. The community seeks to legalize their homes and is willing to purchase land, emphasizing the need for cooperation and respect from local authorities.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Returning

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Returning

A podcast features Shener Rahimov discussing his decision to return to Bulgaria after nearly eight years in Germany, highlighting the challenges he faced abroad and his belief in positive thinking.

He reflects on the changes within the Roma community, noting increased education and openness among the youth, and emphasizes the importance of not letting others’ opinions dictate one’s life.

Shener shares his new professional goal of becoming a photographer and visual storyteller, expressing that life in the West is not as appealing as it once seemed.

Austria News Western Europe

Ukrainian Roma in Austria

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Ukrainian Roma in Austria

According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Racism, 32 Roma children from Ukraine were held for one and a half hours in their classroom due to suspicions of mobile phone theft.

The incident, which occurred on October 16, 2025, is documented in a UN report, but the Salzburg education authority denies the events as described.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Settlements Infrastructure

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Settlements Infrastructure

In 2026 and 2027, the Slovenian municipalities of Črenšovci, Rogašovci, and Šalovci will receive financial support to improve communal infrastructure in Roma settlements as part of a government initiative.

A total of 12 municipalities applied for funding, with Črenšovci receiving nearly €118,000 for a sewage pumping station, Rogašovci receiving €156,000 for road reconstruction and €250,000 for a sewage network, and Šalovci receiving €65,000 for infrastructure improvements.

These investments aim to enhance living conditions in Roma communities, promoting health, education, and economic development, thereby fostering social inclusion and reducing disparities.

It says a lot that sewers and roads still need funding in 2026… What have they done til now?

News Eastern Europe Romania

High School Allocations

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High School Allocations

In Iași County, Romania, the admission process for high schools in 2026 includes 354 distinct places, with 205 allocated for Roma students and 149 for candidates with special educational needs (SEN).

The options for enrollment must be completed on July 13 and 14, 2026, with the allocation of students occurring on July 16, 2026, through a computerized system.

Roma students need a written recommendation confirming their ethnicity to participate, while SEN candidates must submit a certificate from the County Center for Resources and Educational Assistance

Now the question is, who certifies the Romani ethnicity? This is a dangerous path.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Crete

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Roma in Crete

The president of the Pan-Cretan Association of Greek Roma, Athanasios Katsaris, criticizes the Municipality of Heraklion and the State for the poor living conditions in the Roma settlement of Nea Alikarnassos, Crete, which he claims have remained unchanged for years.

He describes the living conditions as “miserable” and “inhumane,” stating that there is a lack of necessary care for the public health of the residents, who are citizens entitled to equal treatment.

Katsaris plans to protest at the next Heraklion Municipal Council meeting, demanding specific commitments and timelines to address the issues affecting the dignity and health of the settlement’s residents.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma Employment

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Roma Employment

Despite various programs aimed at improving the situation of the Roma community in Serbia, they remain one of the hardest groups to employ due to deep structural issues.

Government strategies often fail to translate into real opportunities, creating a facade of progress that does not reflect the daily lives of individuals.

The article argues that economic measures alone cannot address social exclusion without tackling the ingrained prejudices that define who is considered a ‘desirable’ worker.

Bosnia News Eastern Europe

Bosnian War Crimes

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Bosnian War Crimes

July 12 marks the 34th anniversary of one of the most serious and monstrous crimes committed against Roma civilians during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the Orthodox holiday of St. Peter’s Day in 1992, members of a paramilitary formation known as “Sima’s Chetniks” carried out a massacre of the inhabitants of the Roma settlement of Skočić near Kozluk, near Zvornik.

After looting, brutal beatings, torture, rape and humiliation, they captured members of Roma families and then took them to the hamlet of Hamzići near Malešić, where they were shot and thrown into a pit.

28 Roma civilians were killed in the crime, including nine children and one pregnant woman. This massacre is considered the largest single war crime against Roma committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

A few news this week on Roma in France. The usual, with a fire in a garbage dump on the site of  a former Roma camp; and a fight between Roma in Grenoble with iron bars and even a firearm. A Čeja Stojka Exhibition in Besançon. An interesting opinion piece on studies about Roma in France; and finally, an association which provides health care to Roma camps.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Politics and Roma

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Politics and Roma

Salih Saitović, president of the Democratic Union of Roma, emphasized the need for a change in how political parties view the Roma community.

He stated that Roma should not be seen merely as a voting bloc that politicians only engage with during election periods.

The call for recognition and respect for the Roma community’s contributions and needs was highlighted.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Loud Wedding

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Loud Wedding

A large wedding with 1,300 guests in a school yard in Vidin has prompted police investigations into the legality of the event and the source of funding, following numerous noise complaints from residents.

The local councilor who organized the event received permission from the mayor, which included the use of sound equipment after 10 PM, leading to public outcry due to noise disturbances.

Authorities are examining the legality of the permit and the financial aspects of the event, with ongoing inspections of municipal procedures and potential administrative accountability for officials involved.

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