Category Archives: Romania

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Affirmative Action

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Affirmative Action

The Romanian Ministry of Education discussed the expansion of affirmative measures for Roma students and clarified the role of a mechanism to confirm Roma ethnicity during consultations with various stakeholders.

Approved measures for the 2026-2027 academic year include guaranteed places in primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as scholarships and a mechanism for confirming eligibility based on ethnicity.

The confirmation mechanism is voluntary and aims to ensure that affirmative measures reach the intended beneficiaries, with the document being issued by Roma community organizations or local authorities.

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Cluj Project

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Cluj Project

The article discusses a social experiment initiated by Cluj’s mayor, Emil Boc, involving the distribution of apartments to low-income Roma families, funded by Norwegian grants which the author dismissively qualifies as ‘Soros-Type’ grants.

Critics argue that this initiative is ineffective and raises questions about the financial sustainability and integration of these families into the community, especially given the high cost of living in Cluj.

The author expresses concerns about potential discrimination against other disadvantaged groups in Cluj, suggesting that the focus on Roma families overlooks the needs of other citizens struggling with housing and financial issues.

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Slavery

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Slavery

The article discusses the historical and contemporary devaluation of Roma lives, highlighting a 1852 advertisement for the sale of Roma slaves in Romania.

It explores the etymology of terms used for Romani people, noting the negative connotations associated with the word “Gypsy” and its implications of being marginalized and dehumanized.

The author reflects on societal attitudes towards Romani people, exemplified by the recent police killing of a young Romani man, emphasizing ongoing discrimination and violence against this community.

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Unemployment in Romania

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Unemployment in Romania

In the first months of the year, 44 Roma were employed through the National Agency for Employment (ANOFM), highlighting the challenges faced by this ethnic group in the job market.

A total of over 14,000 people were hired, with vulnerable groups, including 242 individuals with disabilities, making up a small percentage of the total.

Discrimination and social barriers are significant obstacles for Roma individuals seeking employment, as noted by a young Roma woman, Ecaterina Pitula.

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High School in Romania

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High School in Romania

The admission process for high schools in Constanța for 2026 shows significant differences in average grades between general placements and special placements for Roma candidates and students with special educational needs (SEN).

Some of the most sought-after high schools admitted Roma candidates with averages below 6, with the lowest being 5.12 at Liceul Ovidius, while the lowest national evaluation scores were much higher.

A total of 17 candidates from these special categories were not placed, with the lowest average for Roma candidates being 1.90 and for SEN candidates being 1.35, indicating challenges in accessing education for these vulnerable groups.

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Housing in Romania

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Housing in Romania

The Cluj-Napoca Local Council approved a program worth over 400 million lei to purchase 350 homes for Roma and other vulnerable communities, aiming for social integration rather than segregation.

Mayor Emil Boc emphasized that the initiative will use the SIEG mechanism to legally facilitate the purchase of homes and provide social services to the relocated families.

The program aims to eliminate informal settlements like Pata Rât by 2030, with over 500 individuals already relocated to decent housing through previous projects.

This is a drop of water on a hot stone …

News Eastern Europe Romania

Romanian High School Admissions

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Romanian High School Admissions

The Bucharest School Inspectorate published the official lists for high school admissions in 2026, revealing that over 900 candidates, including many Roma and students with special educational needs, were left without placements despite high admission averages.

Only 617 out of 1,346 Roma candidates were placed, and 186 out of 737 candidates with special educational needs also remained unplaced, highlighting a significant shortfall in available special placements.

Students who were not placed must act quickly to fill out their options for the general computerized placement, ensuring they list a sufficient number of schools to increase their chances of admission.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Erasmus in Romania

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Erasmus in Romania

Pál Boglárka and Tornai Szilárd, local officials in Székelyudvarhely / Odorheiu Secuiesc in Romania, resigned from their positions due to controversies surrounding an Erasmus+ project that allegedly favored local politicians over Roma youth.The controversy arose after a report revealed that the Erasmus project, intended to support disadvantaged youth, did not adequately benefit Roma participants, leading to public scrutiny and resignations

The mayor praised their decision as a demonstration of political responsibility, emphasizing the importance of accountability in public life.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Success Story

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Success Story

Olimpia, a young Romni from a modest background, has successfully passed her Bacalaureat exam and aims to enroll in the Medical Faculty in Cluj-Napoca, showcasing that ambition and hard work can overcome obstacles.

Supported by the Roma Party Pro Europa, she serves as an inspiration for other Roma students to pursue higher education despite challenges such as school dropout rates and limited opportunities. Her story emphasizes that educational success is achievable regardless of one’s background, and it can serve as a powerful motivator for others in disadvantaged communities.

The fact they chose a pricture that looks more like a police view of criminals with hidden faces says a lot about the fear of Roma to out themselves in Romania.

News Eastern Europe Romania

High School Allocations

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High School Allocations

In Iași County, Romania, the admission process for high schools in 2026 includes 354 distinct places, with 205 allocated for Roma students and 149 for candidates with special educational needs (SEN).

The options for enrollment must be completed on July 13 and 14, 2026, with the allocation of students occurring on July 16, 2026, through a computerized system.

Roma students need a written recommendation confirming their ethnicity to participate, while SEN candidates must submit a certificate from the County Center for Resources and Educational Assistance

Now the question is, who certifies the Romani ethnicity? This is a dangerous path.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Traditions

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Traditions

Andreea Tudor, a young Romani woman, shared her strict childhood rules and traditions on TikTok, highlighting the responsibilities placed on her from a young age.

She explained that after the age of 12, she was no longer seen as a child and had to take on household duties, while also facing restrictions on her clothing choices and friendships.

Her video sparked significant online reactions, with many viewers learning about Romani customs for the first time and appreciating her openness about her experiences.

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Viața de Țigani

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Viața de Țigani

Pepe’s new single “Viața de Țigani” is accompanied by a documentary film that showcases nearly a century of family history in under four minutes, featuring archival footage and personal moments.

The film highlights five generations of Pepe’s family, culminating in the introduction of his two-month-old daughter, Jessica, marking her public debut.

The narrative emphasizes the importance of family bonds and traditions, with Pepe reflecting on his upbringing and the legacy of music passed down through generations.

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Roma in Romania

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Roma in Romania

This Hungarian article discusses the challenges faced by the Roma community in Romania, highlighting the negative connotations associated with the term “cigány” (Gypsy) and the lack of unity among different Roma groups. Orsolya Csata, president of the Right Association, shares her efforts to create a social sewing workshop aimed at providing skills and employment opportunities for Roma children and adults.

The article emphasizes the need for systemic change and support for the Roma community, criticizing the lack of action from authorities and the misuse of EU funds intended for social programs.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Politics and Roma

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Politics and Roma

The article critiques the political style of Dávid Endre, the deputy mayor of Székelyudvarhely, Romania, highlighting his use of enemy-focused politics that perpetuates social tensions rather than addressing underlying issues.

It discusses the problematic representation of the Roma community in media and film, particularly criticizing a documentary that portrays them solely through the lens of suffering without addressing structural causes of their poverty.

The author argues for the need for more nuanced and responsible media portrayals that include Roma voices and stories beyond stereotypes of crime and poverty.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Education Project

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Education Project

A total of 820 Roma children received educational, social, and psychological services as part of an inclusion program, with over 6,000 participating in intercultural dialogue activities to foster understanding among children from different backgrounds.

The project aims to improve access to education and increase school attendance for Roma children in 15 localities, with over 95% promotion rate among monitored children, indicating effective interventions.

The initiative, supported by the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation and the Ministry of Education, also developed a common methodological package for educational institutions and created a unique monitoring database for Roma population data.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Exhibition in Romania

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Exhibition in Romania

A new exhibition in Bucharest titled “The History of the Roma Belongs Here” combines video interviews, portrait photography, and scholarly literature to provide an overview of Roma history and culture in Romania, aiming to challenge public perceptions of the minority.

Curators Delia Popa and Luiza Medeleanu emphasize the importance of showcasing diverse Roma voices and addressing the misconceptions and prejudices surrounding the community.

The exhibition, funded by the EU’s NARDIV project, runs until July 5 at the Goethe Institute and encourages visitors to engage with the narratives and history of the Roma.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Romanes in Romania

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Romanes in Romania

In Cluj County, the Romanes is taught in various educational institutions, both urban and rural, with over 5,000 students identified as Roma in the educational system. The teaching is supported by 7 Romani language teachers and 26 school mediators, aiming to reduce school dropout rates in the Roma community. The National Day of the Romani Language is celebrated on June 16, emphasizing the importance of protecting and promoting the language and cultural identity of the Roma community in Romania.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Young Roma

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Young Roma

The Romanian National Meeting of Roma Youth took place in Brașov, focusing on civic engagement, leadership, and community development for young Roma aged 16 to 30 in Romania.

The program included discussions on civil society, project management, financial education, and the importance of Roma identity, featuring speakers from various fields to inspire participants. The event aimed to foster dialogue among youth and representatives from student organizations, emphasizing the role of youth in civic participation and decision-making processes.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Roma and Romanians

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Roma and Romanians

Lucian Dan Teodorovici’s novel “Pe unde înoată urechinii” explores the complex and often avoided theme of racism, particularly the problematic coexistence between ethnic Romanians and Roma in a rural community during the 1980s. The story is narrated through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy who witnesses a tragic event involving the accidental death of a Romanian child, leading to a cover-up by the local community, highlighting themes of truth, perception, and societal division. The novel presents a nuanced portrayal of childhood innocence and the harsh realities of social hierarchies, ultimately revealing the darker aspects of human nature, such as indifference and moral relativism.

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Romanian Roma in Germany

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Romanian Roma in Germany

The article discusses the integration challenges faced by Romanian Roma in Germany, emphasizing the need for tailored public policies that address their specific vulnerabilities and circumstances. It highlights the differences between the historical Sinti community and recent Roma migrants from Eastern Europe, stressing the importance of recognizing these distinctions in policy-making. The author calls for collaborative efforts between Germany and Romania to enhance educational and mentoring programs, aiming for genuine inclusion and dignity for the Roma community.

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