Category Archives: News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria Language Law

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Bulgaria Language Law

The recent parliamentary vote on the Bulgarian language law indicates a shift towards nationalism, aligning with the ideologies of various political factions in Bulgaria, including the BSP and nationalist parties.

The law’s approval raises concerns about the rights of ethnic minorities in Bulgaria, suggesting that they may need permission to use their languages publicly, thus making them ‘invisible’ in society.

The article criticizes the law as a regressive step for Bulgaria’s European integration and warns of potential legal challenges in Strasbourg for violating minority rights.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

According to the article, progress has been noted in employment, preschool education, and strengthening national policies for the inclusion of Roma, with the percentage of Roma in severe material deprivation decreasing from 62% in 2016 to 37% in 2024.

The proportion of young Roma engaged in employment, education, or training increased from 38% to 53%, and those in paid employment rose from 43% to 54%.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain, including segregation in schools, low completion rates of secondary education, and high poverty risk among Roma children, with 77% still facing poverty.

The fact that one doesn’t know how may Roma there are in Slovenia renders these percentages pretty irrelevant…

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Memorial

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Memorial

A memorial event was held in Hungary at the Zalaegerszeg train station to honor the Roma victims of the Holocaust, specifically those deported on November 2-3, 1944.

Local officials emphasized the importance of remembering the past and educating younger generations about the atrocities faced by Roma families due to their ethnicity.

The event concluded with the singing of the Romani anthem and the laying of wreaths at a commemorative plaque.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Romanes Day in Slovakia

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Romanes Day in Slovakia

The Slovak government’s commissioner for Roma communities, Alexander Daško, emphasized the importance of protecting and passing on the Romani language to future generations on International Romani Language Day.

He highlighted that the language is a vital part of Romani identity, history, and cultural heritage, containing the stories, traditions, and values that connect generations.

The International Romani Language Day was established on November 5, 2009, by linguists and leaders from 15 European countries, and was recognized by UNESCO in 2015.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

National Minorities Council

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National Minorities Council

Srđan Šajn, president of the Roma Party in Serbia, stated that his party declined to sign an initiative to boycott the elections for the National Council of the Roma National Minority. The reason, he explained, is that other Roma political parties supporting the initiative “were, until recently, close to the regime of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).”

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Moldova and Romanes

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Moldova and Romanes

According to the article, only about 30% of Roma in Moldova speak Romanes, with transmission to younger generations becoming increasingly difficult due to various factors, including lack of standardized writing and integration into other linguistic environments.

The Agency for Interethnic Relations emphasizes the importance of protecting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Roma community, with initiatives like a new curriculum on Roma traditions and the first certified Romani interpreter in Moldova.

Events are organized to celebrate World Romani Language Day, aiming to promote the language and cultural identity of the Roma, while addressing issues like illiteracy and school dropout rates within the community.

  • „Se pierde”: Limba romani, vorbită doar de o treime dintre romii din R. Moldova. In: Moldova 1. 05.11.2026. https://moldova1.md/p/89510
Europe News Eastern Europe Romania

Council of Europe and Romanes

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Council of Europe and Romanes

The International Romani Language Day conference at the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg focuses on safeguarding the Romani language, emphasizing its cultural significance and the challenges it faces.

Experts highlight the close relationship between Romani identity and language, advocating for its promotion as a shared heritage rather than a test of authenticity.

Discussions include the need for educational initiatives to teach Romanes, combat discrimination, and utilize digital tools to preserve and promote the language.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Romanes in Montenegro

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Romanes in Montenegro

Romanes is crucial for the identity and cultural heritage of the Roma community, yet it lacks formal recognition in Montenegro’s education system.

Elvis Beriša emphasizes the need for Roma children to learn their ancestral language alongside the majority language to foster their educational potential and identity.

International reports highlight the discrimination faced by Roma and the necessity for Montenegro to implement strategies for the protection and promotion of the Roma language in education and public life.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Romani Municipalities

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Romani Municipalities

 The municipalities with the highest number of Roma inhabitants in Slovakia are Jarovnice, Luník IX, and Trebišov, while those with the highest percentage of Roma are Lomnička, Luník IX, and Jurské.

The Sociographic Mapping of Roma Communities (SMARK) 2025 identified approximately 452,000 residents in 851 municipalities, with a significant increase in the number of Roma since 2019.

Key findings indicate that the average number of people living in a household in Roma areas is higher than the national average, with a predominance of family houses and shanties as living conditions.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Documentary

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Documentary

A documentary highlights early marriages and motherhood in Roma communities in Greece, focusing on the personal stories of women, particularly through the voice of a Roma influencer named Ourania.

The filmmakers emphasize the importance of portraying the complexity of individual experiences rather than generalizing the Roma community, aiming to avoid stereotypes and biases.

The documentary was screened at the 14th Chania Film Festival and aims to foster dialogue about sensitive social issues while respecting the dignity of the individuals involved. 

Bosnia News Eastern Europe

“Furaj Mir”

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“Furaj Mir”

The Furaj Mir program in Bosnia and Herzegovina empowers young people to address societal prejudices, particularly against the Roma community, through creative exhibitions that explore the roots of discrimination and promote dialogue.

Participants, including Almir Agic and Milica Ostojic, highlight the importance of understanding and empathy in overcoming stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society.

The initiative, supported by various organizations and influencers, aims to create a platform for young voices to advocate for change and build a society of equals, despite the lingering effects of the Bosnian war.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Discrimination

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Discrimination

A monitoring report by the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights revealed significant discrimination against Roma individuals in the rental housing market in Banská Bystrica, with nine cases of suspected discrimination identified.

Roma couples faced direct refusals and unequal treatment compared to non-Roma couples during apartment viewings, including false information about availability and shorter viewing times.

The Centre plans to inform real estate agencies about the findings and encourage compliance with anti-discrimination laws, while continuing to monitor equal treatment in housing services.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia on Roma

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Slovenia on Roma

Representatives from the southeastern Slovenian government and mayors discussed addressing Roma issues, prioritizing criminal offenses and misdemeanors in the region.

Key topics included living conditions in Roma settlements, children’s education, and social inclusion, with a focus on collaboration among various ministries and institutions.

Participants at the conference on Roma issues in Šentjernej agreed that authorities will prioritize addressing crimes and offenses in the area, as stated by Interior Minister Franci Matoz.

Discussions highlighted the need for better enforcement of existing legislation regarding housing issues in Roma settlements and emphasized collaboration between social and educational ministries to support Roma children.

Mayor Gregor Macedoni criticized a constitutional court decision that he believes has negatively impacted Roma children and the community, while also noting the need for solutions regarding Roma employment.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria and Roma

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Bulgaria and Roma

Bulgaria states it has met its national goals for 2030 regarding the participation of Roma children in preschool education and high school graduation, according to the European Commission’s report.

The report highlights improvements in Roma employment and educational participation, with over 1300 educational mediators transitioning to permanent state-funded positions.

Despite progress, poverty remains high among Roma communities, with 77% of Roma children at risk of poverty and significant disparities in living conditions and health outcomes compared to the general population.

  • ЕС: България е изпълнила националните си цели за образованието на ромите. In: Club Z. 03.11.2026. https://clubz.bg/181368
News Eastern Europe Serbia

Vote Buying?

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Vote Buying?

The student movement claims that the Roma community has been particularly exposed to electoral manipulation and abuse, warning of potential staged incidents to portray students as enemies of the Roma community.

They allege misuse of roles by Roma coordinators and local community leaders to pressure Roma families based on their social status and needs.

The students demand an investigation into allegations of vote buying, threats, and misuse of public authority, emphasizing that true political freedom requires citizens to make choices without fear of repercussions.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Romanes

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Romanes

A symposium in Murska Sobota focused on preserving the Romani language and engaging younger generations through innovative methods, including a free app that combines learning with gaming and AI. Concerns were raised about the declining use of the Romani language among youth, particularly in Romani communities, highlighting the need for increased public engagement and educational resources.

The app aims to teach Romani through interactive storytelling and tasks, with plans to incorporate various dialects, including Prekmurje Romani, to enhance accessibility and learning.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Commemoration

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Commemoration

On November 3, 2008, two Roma individuals, Éva Illés and József Nagy, were murdered in Nagycsécs during a racially motivated attack, marking the first fatalities in a series of violent assaults against the Roma community in Hungary.

The attackers, motivated by a belief that justice was not adequately addressing crimes against Roma, planned their assaults meticulously, using military gear and weapons, and targeted innocent people based solely on their ethnicity.

The subsequent investigation revealed systemic failures in law enforcement, and the attackers were eventually apprehended and sentenced to life imprisonment, with the court confirming that the attacks were racially motivated.

The local community, both Roma and non-Roma, came together to mourn the victims, highlighting the peaceful nature of the victims who were known for their humble lifestyle and craftsmanship.

News Eastern Europe North Macedonia

Roundtable

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Roundtable

A roundtable was organized under the EU-funded program aimed at improving education and employment opportunities for Roma students in the Western Balkans and Turkey.

Participants discussed public policy measures to enhance access to education, vocational training, and employment, focusing on labor market needs.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography, and Youth of North Macedonia, with representatives from various institutions attending.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

National Council Elections

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National Council Elections

The upcoming elections to the Serbian National Counticcl of Roma are not just about electing 35 representatives but also a test of the democratic capacity of the Roma community and the responsibility of institutions to ensure equal participation in the electoral process.

The National Council of Roma plays a crucial role in advocating for the community’s interests in education, culture, and language rights, especially as Roma face challenges in various areas.

The Union of Roma of Serbia has questioned the legitimacy of the electoral list, while the Roma Academic Circle has raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process and the rights of Roma individuals to participate politically.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Roma in Montenegro

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Roma in Montenegro

The Association for the Support of Roma and Egyptians in Berane reports significant progress in education and social inclusion for the Roma and Egyptian communities in Montenegro, aided by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation.

Sultan Beća, a member of the Government Working Group, highlights improvements in preschool enrollment, regular school attendance, scholarships, and social inclusion efforts.

The association welcomes the adoption of the Strategy for Improving the Quality of Life of Roma and Egyptians for 2026-2030, emphasizing the need for measurable changes in education and social integration.

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