Category Archives: News Eastern Europe

News Eastern Europe Romania

Education in Romania

Published by:

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 Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

Published by:

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

Published by:

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.

Bulgaria France News Eastern Europe News Western Europe

Bulgaria Exhibition

Published by:

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

Published by:

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

Published by:

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

Published by:

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

Published by:

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

Published by:

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

Published by:

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.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

“Between Days, Between Nights”

Published by:

“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

Published by:

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

Published by:

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.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Cooking Competition

Published by:

Cooking Competition

A team from ÁGOTA Community participated in the Kivilágos Kivirradtig Festival cooking competition, showcasing traditional Roma dishes and winning a silver award.

The event highlighted the importance of community and mentorship for young people living in residential homes, with a focus on shared experiences and cultural pride.

The festival served as a platform for young talents, like 18-year-old Nikólasz, who is training to be a chef and actively contributes to the community through cooking.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma Rights

Published by:

Roma Rights

Salih Saitović, president of the Democratic Union of Roma, emphasized the need for a systematic and long-term fight for the rights of the Roma community, advocating for international recognition and support.

In a statement regarding the “Parade of Identity and Solidarity” in Niš, he questioned the visibility and representation of Roma in discussions about marginalized groups.

Saitović called for the establishment of an international institution to represent Roma interests, arguing that the fight against discrimination should extend beyond declarations to include real political and legal mechanisms.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Theatre

Published by:

Theatre

On September 18, 2026, the International Youth Center in Ruse hosted a youth theater event featuring forum theater, where Romanian youth presented social issues to a Bulgarian audience through improvised performances.

The plot focused on the experiences of a young Roma girl facing betrayal, stereotypes, corruption, and exclusion, intertwining with European values and contemporary issues faced by European citizens.

The initiative aimed to foster dialogue, tolerance, and active civic participation among youth from Bulgaria and Romania, emphasizing the rights and values of European citizens.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Really?

Published by:

Really?

According to the article, the Romanian government is offering €50,000 in non-repayable funding to young Roma individuals (ages 18-30) to start businesses, as part of the Start-Up Nation program, amidst a record number of business closures in the country.

Eligibility criteria for the funding rely on self-declaration of Roma ethnicity, raising concerns about potential misuse and the impact on actual Roma individuals seeking support.

The program aims to reduce poverty among the Roma community but may inadvertently inflate the number of declared Roma, affecting future government programs and representation.

Well, the current official number of Roma is really low and far from reality …

News Eastern Europe Ukraine

Roma in Zakarpattia

Published by:

Roma in Zakarpattia

Students from the Berehiv (Zakarpattia Ukraine) Gymnasium “Opre Roma” participated in an eco-educational event focused on biodiversity conservation and bird studies, particularly owls.

The event included a dialogue led by ecologist Leonid Pokrytiuk, where students learned about owl habitats, diets, and behaviors, as well as how to assist injured birds.

A practical demonstration of scientific ringing of a long-eared owl was conducted, allowing students to observe ornithologists at work and understand the importance of tracking bird migration.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Roma Resistance Day

Published by:

Roma Resistance Day

The article discusses the debate surrounding the commemoration of the Roma Resistance Day on May 16, which some historians question as a historically verified event.

Proponents, including Roma politician Béla Radics, argue for the establishment of a memorial in Budapest to honor the Roma heroes who resisted Nazi forces during the Holocaust.

Critics, including historians, assert that there is no evidence of a rebellion on that date, suggesting that the commemoration may be based on myth rather than historical fact.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

János Szapula

Published by:

János Szapula

Hundreds gathered in Taktakenéz to light candles in memory of local councilor János Szapula, who was fatally attacked at work by a 48-year-old public worker.

Szapula was a significant member of the local Roma community, known for his willingness to help others, and his death is seen as a tremendous loss for the village.

The memorial was organized by the Roma Welfare Association, and attendees expressed shock and grief over the violent incident that took Szapula’s life.

rroma.org
en_GBEN
de_DEDE fr_FRFR en_GBEN