Category Archives: News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Demolitions

Published by:

Demolitions

The mayor of Stara Zagora, Zhivko Todorov, has demolished the last 20 illegal houses in the Roma neighborhood of Lozenets, claiming they cannot be legalized as they are built on state forest land.

The local government has faced criticism for not addressing illegal constructions in other areas, particularly those owned by influential individuals, highlighting a perceived bias in enforcement.

The article discusses the ongoing marginalization of the Roma community, the lack of effective integration policies, and the need for a more humane approach to their housing issues.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Racist Attack

Published by:

Racist Attack

The podcast SODAcast discusses a recent racist attack on two Roma, highlighting the court’s decision to sentence the attacker to two years in prison, which is not yet final as the defendant has appealed.

The hosts criticize the lack of media coverage on the case, particularly from public broadcasters, and emphasize the importance of such cases for building trust among Roma communities in state institutions.

The podcast also addresses issues of long-term segregation of Roma children in schools, the recent suspension of Roma TV due to low viewership, and the ongoing discussions about the influence of the Government Council for Roma Minority Affairs.

https://youtu.be/UW63huMM30k

News Eastern Europe Romania

Illegal Houses

Published by:

Illegal Houses

The Romanian government has amended the urban planning and construction code to allow municipalities to legalize unauthorized constructions, including those built without permits, until August 2027.

This change is seen as a political maneuver to gain favor with voters ahead of the 2028 elections, particularly benefiting mayors who have historically allowed illegal constructions in rural areas.

The new regulations raise concerns about safety and legality, as they may enable the legalization of unsafe buildings and increase the power of mayors in local governance.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Romani Culture

Published by:

Romani Culture

The Ministry of Culture in Romania has launched a pilot program to support and promote Roma culture, led by the Musical Theater “Ambasadorii”.

The initiative aims to involve Roma artists in theater productions and highlight their cultural contributions through workshops, conferences, and artistic development activities.

The project is seen as a step towards establishing a dedicated public institution for Roma performances by 2027, although immediate establishment is hindered by financial and administrative constraints.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Murder Case

Published by:

Murder Case

A brutal murder occurred in the town of Sŭedinenie, Plovdiv. The victim is a 21-year-old Rom and the perpetrator is a former police officer.

The victim had a history of criminal behavior, primarily theft, and was known to have mental health issues, which complicated his legal situation. The deceased, Mitko, had a history of robbing former police officer Todor Lapkov, who ultimately killed him after a confrontation over a theft.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Roma TV

Published by:

Roma TV

The article discusses the fate of Roma TV in the Czech Republic, which aimed to provide a platform for Romani culture and personalities through IPTV operators, broadcasting 10 hours daily.

The programming included shows featuring Romani figures, cooking segments, music programs, and documentaries, but faced challenges in acquiring films and competitions due to high costs.

Roma TV was funded solely through donations, not public funds, and despite its closure, there is hope for its return as it provided opportunities for many Romani individuals.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Corruption?

Published by:

Corruption?

The article discusses the alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Romani Party in Vaslui, Romania, highlighting the lack of progress in integrating the Romani community despite significant funding over the years.

Activist Valeriu Nicolae criticizes the leadership of the Romani Party, describing it as corrupt and ineffective, and emphasizes that the Romani people are the ones suffering from this corruption.

The article also details a recent scandal involving the Romani Party’s leadership, leading to the suspension of its local structures and the dismissal of key figures due to allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Slovak View

Published by:

Relocation – Slovak View

The relocation of several Roma families from an illegal settlement in Košice to Hungary has sparked political support for local mayor Lenka Kovačevičová from Zoroslav Kollár and his party, Právo na pravdu.

Kollár views the controversy surrounding the relocation as a positive step, advocating for better living conditions for both Roma and non-Roma communities.

Martin Halás from Právo na pravdu claims that families moving to Hungary faced police harassment, leading to legal actions against the Hungarian police and appeals to various political entities.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Hungarian Reporting

Published by:

Relocation – Hungarian Reporting

Lenka Kovačevičová, Mayor of the Košice-Lázně District, claims there are 15 illegal settlements in Košice, housing around 2600 people in dire conditions without basic utilities, prompting the formation of a civic association to assist affected families.

The mayor of Košice apparently supports the relocation of Roma families to Szalonna, Hungary, emphasizing their right to freedom of movement and criticizing media narratives suggesting forced relocations.

The Právo na pravdu party advocates for Roma issues, with leaders expressing confidence in addressing these social problems if Kovačevičová becomes mayor, while criticizing the current mayor and Hungarian authorities for their treatment of Roma citizens.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

Published by:

Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian police raides a private club associated with the international neo-Nazi organization “Blood and Honour” in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The organisation is connected to nationalism and recent violent events.

Boryan Rasate, a nationalist figure, expresses disdain for the media’s portrayal of the incident, arguing that the focus on a few Nepalese individuals being attacked overshadows the daily violence faced by Bulgarians.

Rasate claims that the actions of the youth involved in a recent murder were not premeditated but rather a result of youthful recklessness, criticizing the media for sensationalizing the events and diverting attention from more pressing issues in society.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Montenegro – Equal Opportunity

Published by:

Montenegro – Equal Opportunity

The NGO for the support of Roma and Egyptians emphasizes that educational inclusion must be measured by tangible opportunities for children, such as access to schools and scholarships, rather than just strategies and public messages.

Positive progress has been noted in the educational and social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, with the Ministry of Education playing a key role in improving their situation.

The organization stresses the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Roma community, to create effective policies and ensure equal educational opportunities for all children.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Roma Film Festival IROFF

Published by:

Roma Film Festival IROFF

The IROFF International Romani Film Festival will return to Prague from September 10 to 13. After last year’s zero year, it will offer four days of film screenings, two Czech premieres, discussions with filmmakers, concerts and exhibitions. The program was presented today at a press conference by Petr Ščuka from the organizing organization Identity Prague. The festival will take place at several locations in the metropolis.

https://youtu.be/rJco6QraHf8

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

Published by:

Neo-Nazis in Bulgaria

The rise of neo-Nazi groups in Bulgaria, particularly the ‘Blood and Honor’ club, and their connections to a broader culture of ethnic nationalism and authoritarianism is discussed in both articles.

It highlights incidents of violence linked to these groups, including attacks on minorities and the normalization of extremist ideologies in society.

The authors argues that the current political climate in Bulgaria fosters an environment where such ideologies can thrive, often under the guise of patriotism and strength.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Really???

Published by:

Really???

A Roma settlement in Braća, Serbia, is being evicted. Instead of being offered alternative lodgings, the legal team of Initiative A 11 reports that the Social Work Center has offered some residents of the option to separate their children into alternative care, which harmful and illegal.

This practice contradicts the best interests of the child, who should live with their parents.

News Eastern Europe News Switzerland Romania

You Don’t Belong Here

Published by:

You Don’t Belong Here

“You Don’t Belong Here” won the Golden Leopard for Best Film at the Locarno Film Festival, presenting a moral drama set in small-town Romania, exploring themes of family crisis and societal issues.

The film follows Marius, a surgeon, and his son Ioan, who becomes involved in a violent incident involving racist youths targeting Roma families, leading to a confrontation that impacts their lives.

The narrative examines the complexities of father-son relationships, masculinity, and social violence, using a restrained cinematic style to provoke reflection on personal and societal responsibilities.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Romnja in Romania

Published by:

Romnja in Romania

In modern society, the Roma woman represents the central pillar of the family. They are the one who assume multiple roles… wife, mother, grandmother, and for some time now also the role of a perfect professional. At “Roma for Oltenia” we will talk to Ms. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Delia Grigore about the Roma woman and her skills in various fields of activity.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Integration in Montenegro

Published by:

Integration in Montenegro

The article discusses a project supported by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro aimed at improving the integration of the Roma and Egyptian communities in Nikšić through various activities, including workshops and training sessions.

A final panel event was held to discuss the support for the full inclusion of the Roma and Egyptian communities, featuring representatives from various sectors, including education and local government.

Key indicators of the project’s success include the active participation of youth from the Roma and Egyptian communities in identifying problems and proposing solutions, as well as improved collaboration between local authorities and NGOs.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Blood and Honour

Published by:

Blood and Honour

The organization “Blood and Honour” has been raging in Plovdiv for a long time. They were involved in violent pogroms against Roma as early as 2013 and the activist of “Blood and Honor” Ivaylo Kolev says that the organization has also been leading the torchlight procession against the Neuilly Treaty for at least eight years. They are against the “islamisation” of Europe.

Despite a petition from locals to ban the organization, which has been outlawed in several countries, it continues to operate in Bulgaria.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma in Serbia

Published by:

Roma in Serbia

The Roma community in Serbia is advocating for better living conditions and proposed two methods to improve their situation alongside the country’s development.

Salih Saitović, President of the Democratic Union of Roma in Serbia, emphasized the need for a broader policy on labor value, education, and equal job opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background.

The YUROM Center and Roma education representatives proposed amendments to education laws to ensure systemic support for Roma students, including affirmative enrollment and prevention of segregation in schools.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Culture

Published by:

Culture

Young Roma from Brezje and Jedinščica explored radio and Roma culture in Prekmurje, Slovenia, visiting various cultural centers and participating in media workshops.

The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young Roma to learn about their culture and improve their social skills, fostering interregional connections and self-confidence.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the experience, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the desire to pursue their goals despite challenges.

rroma.org
en_GBEN
de_DEDE fr_FRFR en_GBEN