Category Archives: News Eastern Europe

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Slovakia, Roma, and NGOs

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Slovakia, Roma, and NGOs

Rudolf Budai, a Romani goldsmith, has joined the political party Právo na pravdu to advocate for the Romani community and address issues of poverty and exploitation by NGOs and state-funded organizations.

Budai criticizes the misuse of state funds meant for cultural support, highlighting the high costs of cultural events that burden impoverished families, and calls for free access to state-funded cultural activities.

He proposes the establishment of state enterprises in Romani communities to create jobs and improve living conditions, while party leaders emphasize the need for accountability and a return to work ethics in addressing community issues.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Museum of Romani Culture

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Museum of Romani Culture

The Czech Culture Ministry plans to hold a competitive selection process for the new director of the Museum of Romani Culture, with hopes that a Roma person will be appointed.

A petition has been initiated calling for a transparent selection process that includes representatives from the Roma community and civil society.

The current interim director, Karolina Spielmannová, is tasked with ensuring the museum’s continuity following the resignation of the previous director, Jana Horváthová.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Roma Politics

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Roma Politics

An important meeting for the Romani Party of Vrancea, Romania,  took place, focusing on the party’s reorganization following a scandal involving former leader Toader Constantin, accused of rape.

Deputy Nicolae Păun emphasized the need for preparation for the 2028 elections, urging the identification of capable candidates from the Romani community.

The meeting concluded with discussions on political strategy, community involvement, and the need for basic services for Romani families in Vrancea and Buzău.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma “Problematic”

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Roma “Problematic”

The Dolenjska People’s Initiative held its fourth consultation in Novo mesto regarding issues related to the Roma community and conditions in southeastern Slovenia, highlighting the absence of many invited participants.

Key attendees included local and state representatives, but many Roma councilors and organizations like Amnesty International were notably absent, raising concerns about engagement.

Not surprising when you consider what policies the inititative is proposing…

France News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Slovenia

Hamidović Family

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Hamidović Family

Roberto Hamidović and six family members were sentenced for forcing children into mass pickpocketing in Paris, with Hamidović receiving eight years in prison and a €500,000 fine.

The family, Roma from Bosnia, was involved in various crimes including human trafficking and organized theft, with children used to evade prosecution.

The fact thagt this appears in Slovenia, with strong views about Roma “criminality” highlights how one family can severely damage the image of an entire population.

Bad.

News Eastern Europe North Macedonia

Šerutnipe

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Šerutnipe

Roma leaders from various European countries gathered in Skopje to discuss political participation and how mandates can lead to tangible changes in local communities.

The initiative “Sherutnipe” aims to connect elected Roma representatives with organizations working to improve the status of Roma communities, focusing on the implementation of public projects funded through local budgets.

Since 2019, Roma public officials in five countries have secured over 42 million euros for projects related to infrastructure, education, and housing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration at both local and European levels.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Nice but …

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Nice but …

The project “Bridge of Colors: Uniting Cultures through Creativity and Knowledge” has commenced in Shumen, aimed at fostering interaction among children from various ethnic backgrounds through creative activities.

The project, funded by the Education Program 2021-2027, involves five kindergartens and aims to create an inclusive educational environment over a 24-month period.

Activities will include workshops, excursions, and a “Friendship Festival” to showcase the traditions and crafts of different ethnic groups, with parental involvement emphasized throughout the project.

What is the outcome?

  • Започна изпълнението на проекта “Мост от цветове: Съединяваме култури чрез творчество и знание”, каза зам.-кметът на Шумен Даниела Русева. In: Utro Ruse. 24.09.2026. https://utroruse.com/article/1321146/
News Eastern Europe Serbia

Romani Politics

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Romani Politics

The Civil Movement of Roma in Serbia announced its decision to withdraw from negotiations for a joint electoral list with the Union of Roma in Serbia for the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 25.

The negotiations, which began on September 5, included the Roma Party, the Democratic Union of Roma, the Union of Roma in Serbia, and the Civil Movement of Roma in Serbia.

The Civil Movement stated that while there was initial agreement on the idea of a joint electoral performance, subsequent discussions failed due to disagreements over proposals made by the Union of Roma in Serbia.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Housing Discrimination?

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Housing Discrimination?

A young Romni, B.R., raised in child protection, has written an open letter to the mayor of Cluj, Emil Boc, questioning why she and others like her do not receive social housing despite being educated and employed.

B.R. shares her experiences of discrimination and emphasizes that not all Roma should be judged based on the actions of a few, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of her community.

She highlights the need for social housing criteria to be reconsidered, suggesting that those who work and contribute to society should be prioritized over those who perpetuate negative stereotypes.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Inclusion of Marginalised Communities

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Inclusion of Marginalised Communities

The Slovak Government Council for the Inclusion of Marginalized Roma Communities held its first meeting on September 22, 2026, in Bratislava, focusing on procedural operations and the current status of EU funds for Roma inclusion.

The Council aims to propose and coordinate effective public policies for the integration of marginalized Roma communities, aligning with Slovakia’s commitments to Roma inclusion and the Slovakia Program 2021-2027.

Key discussions included the implementation of the Slovakia Program budget, recommendations from the final evaluation report, and preparations for the National and Regional Partnership Plan for 2028-2034.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Róbert Hamburgbadžo

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Róbert Hamburgbadžo

Róbert Hamburgbadžo discusses his journey from a poor Roma background to becoming a journalist, emphasizing the challenges of Romani journalism in Slovakia.

He highlights the lack of support for Romani communities in Spišský Hrhov, despite it being cited as a model for integration.

Hamburgbadžo aims to mentor future journalists and establish a scholarship program for Romani students, while also expressing a desire to create a documentary that authentically represents Romani life.

News Eastern Europe Serbia Slovenia

So Vakeres?

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So Vakeres?

The Romani show “So vakeres – Kaj govoriš?” airs twice a month and is produced by Romani journalists in Serbia.

Approximately 500,000 Roma live unofficially in Serbia, striving for greater equality through various organizations and media.

The international project “Roma Soul Food” preserves Romani memories and stories through culinary traditions, including a cooking competition for traditional Romani dishes, which symbolizes the activation and integration of Roma into society.

News Eastern Europe Romania Serbia

Cultural Centre

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Cultural Centre

A new cultural center dedicated to Romani culture, language, and traditions was inaugurated in Belgrade, Serbia, attended by Dorin Cioabă, president of one of the current three International Romani Union.

The Romani Cultural Center aims to serve as a meeting point for the community, promoting education, dialogue, and the preservation of Romani identity.

Cioabă emphasized the importance of collaboration among Romani organizations, public institutions, and civil society to maintain Romani culture and traditions.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Concert

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Concert

A concert celebrating World Romani Language Day on November 5, will feature the band Amala, led by composer Imer Traja Brizani, showcasing their new album ‘Amala 30’.

The performance will include original compositions and timeless Romani classics, divided into acoustic and electric segments, featuring various instruments and a vocal section.

Special guest Oto Pestner will join the concert alongside international soloists, aiming to create a transcultural bridge and promote coexistence among nations.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Cluj and Roma

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Cluj and Roma

Local NGOs in Cluj, particularly TAC.social, criticize a protest against the relocation of Roma families from Pata Rât, emphasizing the need for discussions based on the realities of the community.

The protest, organized by the Identitarian Community Association of Romania, attracted only about 12 participants and was marked by inflammatory rhetoric against the Roma community.

TAC.social calls for greater awareness and understanding of the living conditions in Pata Rât, inviting people to engage directly with the community rather than relying on prejudiced narratives.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Roma Leaders

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Roma Leaders

The Third Summit of Roma Leaders in Sofia focuses on unity, leadership, and a European future, organized by the United Roma Communities and the International Roma Union.

Leaders emphasize the need to move beyond merely identifying problems faced by the Roma community and instead propose solutions, seeking collaboration with Bulgarian institutions.

A declaration was presented at the forum advocating for equality, dignity, and active participation of the Roma community in society, highlighting the importance of dialogue and respect for differences.

  • Ромски лидери от различни държави се събраха в София на среща под надслов „Единство, лидерство и европейско бъдеще“. In: BTA. 09.2026. https://www.bta.bg/bg/videos/39718
Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Tensions

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Tensions

In the village of Zidarovo, Bulgaria, a small group of local Roma is accused of vandalism and public disorder, raising concerns about ethnic tensions in the community. Mayor Hristo Bardukov shared video evidence of the incidents, highlighting the aggressive behavior and the potential for escalating ethnic conflict.

Despite police intervention, the perpetrators were reportedly released quickly, prompting Bardukov to question the effectiveness of law enforcement and the need for community awareness.

Bad…

News Eastern Europe Poland

Auschwitz Conference

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Auschwitz Conference

An international conference titled “Roma and Sinti – Between Historical Memory and Modernity” will take place on November 24-25 in Auschwitz, organized by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Council of Europe.

The conference aims to reflect on the historical memory of the Roma and Sinti genocide during World War II and its impact on contemporary identity and culture.

Participants will include educators and museum professionals, with discussions on the persecution of Roma and Sinti, and workshops on teaching without perpetuating stereotypes.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Cluj and Roma

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Cluj and Roma

Local councilor Dragoș Roșianu criticized fellow councilor Daniel Meze for generalizing about relocated Roma families after a fire incident, urging him to verify facts directly with affected families.

The fire, which affected 16 apartments, was attributed to an electrical issue, not the ethnicity of the residents, highlighting the need for responsible administration and fact-based discussions.

Roșianu emphasized the importance of integration and support for Roma families, rejecting stigmatization and calling for constructive dialogue to address any issues within the community.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Barber Story

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Barber Story

Mihácsi Patrik, a Roma barber shop owner in Győr, refuses to be seen as a victim and is proud of his heritage, actively helping disadvantaged children through his business.

His barbershop was vandalized with a racist slur, prompting local support from the Jojó Box Club, which offered solidarity and a voucher to the shop.

Patrik emphasizes the importance of challenging stereotypes about Roma people and believes in the value of character over ethnicity, showcasing positive examples through his work and community involvement.

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