Category Archives: News Eastern Europe

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Continued

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Relocation – Continued

Two articles on the relocation of Roma from Slovakia to Hungary. One, in a half humouristic view, suggest to mayors with a “Roma problem” to buy houses for them in Hungary. It highlights that these actions are taken in view of upcoming election. In the second, Alexander Daško, the government’s plenipotentiary for Roma communities says there will be no large scale relocations.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria: Protest

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Bulgaria: Protest

Todor Davidov, known as Gringo, led a protest in the Roma neighborhood of Aytos, demanding better living conditions and infrastructure.

Protesters are advocating for improved roads and public transport access, citing the nearest bus stop is 500 meters away.

The protest has sparked public debate regarding the payment of local taxes by the families in the area and the legality of the houses in the neighborhood. In many of the Roma neighbourhoods, Roma are accused of having built illegally, even when their houses stood for a very long time. This is used to close and dismantle some of these neighbourhoods.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Hungary and the Extreme Right

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Hungary and the Extreme Right

István Gyöngyösi, a representative from the Tisza Party, commemorated the victims of the Roma Holocaust during a parliamentary session, emphasizing the need to remember the Roma victims who were deported and murdered in Auschwitz.

The Mi Hazánk (our house – an extreme right) party members remained seated during the commemoration, leading to accusations of racism and disrespect from other political figures, including Prime Minister Péter Magyar.

Minister Zoltán Tarr acknowledged ongoing discrimination based on ethnicity and stressed the importance of remembrance and combating hate to prevent future atrocities.

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Education in Moldova

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Education in Moldova

Seven educational institutions in Moldova will test a new methodology for evaluating school practices from a human rights perspective, focusing on the protection of students’ rights, especially for vulnerable groups like Roma and refugees.

The methodology aims to help schools assess the respect for children’s rights in educational processes and daily practices, identifying areas for improvement.

The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF Moldova and the UN Office for Human Rights in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research.

  • Protecție sporită pentru copiii romi și refugiați: O metodologie nouă privind drepturile omului, testată în șapte școli. In: Radio Moldova. 10.08.2026. https://radiomoldova.md/p/82781
News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbian Elections

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Serbian Elections

The Union of Roma in Serbia announced its independent participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, centered around the Movement of Roma in Serbia, aimed at creating a fairer and more dignified society for all citizens.

The goal is to ensure that Roma have representatives in the National Assembly of Serbia after more than two decades, allowing their voices to be heard in legislative processes.

The Movement is intended to be inclusive, gathering a broad team of Roma and other citizens who believe in improving the position of the Roma community through work and knowledge.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Initiative for Romnja

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Initiative for Romnja

The initiative for Romnja students in Serbia has been empowering young Romane women for over a decade by providing education, mentorship, and community engagement.

Their mission emphasizes that no girl should abandon her education due to a lack of information, support, or role models, fostering a cycle of mentorship and leadership among Romani women.

The initiative challenges stereotypes and discrimination, advocating that education is a right and a powerful tool for equality and social change.

Kosovo News Eastern Europe

Kosovo Exhibition

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Kosovo Exhibition

An exhibition showcasing the history and culture of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities aims to bridge gaps between communities and challenge stereotypes through public events and activities. The Multicultural Festival, organized for eight years, emphasizes collaboration among various communities to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in society.

Educational support for students from these communities is also a focus, with initiatives aimed at developing personal and social skills alongside academic support.

Let’s see if it helps …

News Eastern Europe Romania

Attack

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Attack

A serious incident occurred in Recea Cristur, Romania, where an ambulance was attacked by a group of individuals using axes, bats, and stones, injuring the driver severely.

The mayor expressed surprise at the attack, noting that there had been no previous issues in the local Roma community, and emphasized the need for police accountability.

Three young men have been detained for 24 hours in connection with the attack, facing charges related to violence and public disorder.

Hungary News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Relocation – Continued

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Relocation – Continued

The issue of Roma families who moved from Košice, Slovakia, to Szalonna, Hungary, and recently returned is still a topic of discussion, with no agreement reached between Hungarian and Slovak representatives after a four-hour meeting.

A businessman from Farkaslyuk has offered jobs and housing to the Roma families, stating that he has successfully employed Slovak Roma for twenty years and believes in treating them with respect.

Despite the offer, some communities are resistant to accepting families from Slovakian slums, indicating a divide in attitudes towards the Roma community.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Social Help in Slovenia

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Social Help in Slovenia

Andrej Brečko, a Slovenian lawyer, criticized social welfare recipients, particularly targeting the Roma community, for allegedly misusing benefits while enjoying leisure activities like picnics.

He expressed concerns about societal responsibilities and rights, arguing that individuals should prioritize self-sufficiency and contribute to society rather than rely on state support.

Brečko highlighted the disparity between those who have worked for decades with minimal pensions and those who exploit social assistance, calling for a reevaluation of social support systems.

Europe News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka

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Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka

Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka, a Polish Romani anthropologist and activist, leads the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture, focusing on combating anti-Romani sentiment and promoting Romani identity through art and education.

She highlights the resurgence of anti-Romani attitudes in Europe, linking them to a broader decline in democratic values and the importance of minority rights as indicators of democracy.

The article discusses the need for systemic changes in education and public services to improve the socio-economic conditions of Romani communities, emphasizing the role of trust and collaboration between authorities and these communities.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Šentjernej People’s Initiative claims that police had to intervene multiple times due to violations of public order by local Roma after 10 PM.

They criticized Amnesty International Slovenia for not addressing the concerns of local residents who face harassment and threats from nearby Roma communities.

The initiative, formed by local residents, advocates for equal treatment under the law and zero tolerance for violence, and gained prominence after organizing a protest in 2025 over safety issues.

They actually support rather extreme measures, such as cutting social care if Roma don not “behave” or send their children to school, and want to remove Roma settlemens which they mostly deem illegal.

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Moldova and Memory

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Moldova and Memory

On the eve of the memorial date for the genocide of Roma during World War II, vandals painted over a memorial in Moldova, changing its colors to a toxic red, which shocked community members.

The Roma community in Moldova, estimated at 12,000, is advocating for recognition of their genocide during the war, with many more living abroad, and they commemorate the tragedy annually on August 2.

A memorial panel was created to honor the victims, but the community fears it may be vandalized again, highlighting ongoing issues of intolerance and historical neglect regarding the Roma Holocaust.

News Eastern Europe Serbia Slovenia

Slovenian Conference and Serbia

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Slovenian Conference and Serbia

The National Council of the Roma National Minority from Serbia participated in the Second International Roma Conference in Slovenia, focusing on the progress and challenges faced by the Roma community over the past 20 years.

Dalibor Nakić, the president of the council, highlighted advancements in education, political participation, and decision-making inclusion for Roma in Serbia, attributing these to collaboration with various institutions and organizations.

The conference included discussions on housing and local development, with a visit to the Pušča Roma settlement in Slovenia, recognized as a model for organized Roma communities with developed infrastructure.

All wishful thinking …

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe North Macedonia

Dzansever Dalipova

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Dzansever Dalipova

Renowned singer Djansever Dalipova passed away in Essen, Germany, at the age of 59 after battling leukemia and undergoing a critical bone marrow transplant surgery.

The 59-year-old artist was known for her unique performances in arabesque and Romani music, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable songs.

Dalipova’s health issues included losing an eye at a young age and being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, but she made a significant comeback in her music career after a major surgery in 2009.

Djansever’s funeral is expected to take place in North Macedonia, with details yet to be finalized; she is remembered for her resilience and significant contributions to music despite her health struggles.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Politics and Roma

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Politics and Roma

The SNS (Serbian Progressive Party)  and current party in power upporting Vučić is intensifying efforts to attract Roma voters in southern Serbia, opening new offices in Leskovac, a region historically associated with the SPS (Socialist Party of Serbia).

The absence of the Roma flag in Leskovac’s SNS office raises questions about the party’s approach to representing the Roma community and whether they are being used for political gain.

The shift in political power dynamics indicates that SNS is not only targeting opposition strongholds but is also encroaching on the traditional base of its coalition partner, SPS, suggesting a weakening of the latter’s influence.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Roma Civil Guard

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Roma Civil Guard

Fülek, Slovakia, established a voluntary Roma civil guard in 2004, which transitioned to a professional service in 2014, supported by EU funding, but has faced funding challenges over the years.

Local authorities have been urging the government to finance the civil guard’s operations to ensure continuity and avoid layoffs, as the current project has ended and a new funding call was delayed.

The civil guards play a crucial role in community safety and support during city events, and the municipality has recently applied for funding to restart the program with a reduced project duration of 18 months.

News Eastern Europe Romania

The Borat Village

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The Borat Village

The village of Glod in Romania, known for its portrayal in Sacha Baron Cohen’s parody documentary about Kazakhstan, still remembers the dubious production methods and betrayals from that time.

The article describes the lives of Andrei and his grandfather Neamu, who live in this Roma community, reflecting on their history.

The village’s name, Glod, translates to ‘mud’, symbolizing its humble beginnings and the contrast with the nearby city.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Condemned

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Condemned

A man was convicted by the District Court for Prague 2 for racially motivated assaults against Romani individuals, receiving a two-year prison sentence and being ordered to undergo treatment for alcoholism.

The assaults included physical violence and threats, with the defendant using racist slurs during the incidents, which occurred in December 2025 and July 2025.

The victims expressed relief at the verdict, emphasizing the importance of standing against such violence and protecting others from similar treatment.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Another Brawl …

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Another Brawl …

The Biulgarian police are investigating a mass brawl between two Roma families in the village of Doctor Yosifovo, near Montana in Bulgarian. where a 19-year-old sustained moderate injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday after a dispute, with a 20-year-old man reportedly inflicting the injuries.

The boulevard press is highlighting these fights on a regular basis, and this is bad. Bad that they happen, and bad, that this is becoming associated with Roma.

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