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French Chronicle …

December 28, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Almost nothing about Roma this week in the French press. Just an article about a camp near Paris that was left, but with tons of garbage in its place, and an article in Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical newspaper about Bulgaria, unfortunately with lots of French based clichés on Roma.

Des Roms investissent une friche dans un petit village de l’Oise : ils laissent une décharge à ciel ouvert. In: Actu Oise. 24.12.2025. https://actu.fr/hauts-de-france/novillers_60469/des-roms-investissent-une-friche-dans-un-petit-village-de-l-oise-ils-laissent-une-decharge-a-ciel-ouvert_63615230.html
Voyage au bout d’un pays qui se vide. In: Charlie Hebdo. 24.12.2025. https://charliehebdo.fr/2025/12/international/europe/bulgarie-voyage-au-bout-dun-pays-qui-se-vide/

Germany News Western Europe

A Birth, and Police

December 26, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

A large family wanted to celebrate the birth of a child in the foyer of the University Hospital of Cologne. Those present felt disturbed, and the hospital asked the family to leave. The police then had to be called.

The result: A complaint against the university hospital from the Rom association, which advocates for the rights of Sinti and Roma, as well as a criminal complaint and a formal complaint against the police at the Cologne Police Headquarters.

Polizei wirft Großfamilie nach Geburt aus Klinik – Rassismusvorwürfe gegen Beamte. In: Die Welt. 23.12.2025. https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article694a6b03f6fc544dba9b1d4d/koeln-polizei-wirft-grossfamilie-nach-geburt-aus-klinik-rassismusvorwuerfe-gegen-beamte.html

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Spain

Sally Cortes

December 23, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

“The first step must be taken by oneself – to believe that one can achieve everything one dreams of,” says Romani writer and activist Sally Cortés in an interview.

Vyšlo nové číslo časopisu Romano voďi. Rozhovor se Sally Cortés, romština a romská identita. In: Romea. 22.12.2025. https://romea.cz/cz/domaci/vyslo-nove-cislo-casopisu-romano-vodi-rozhovor-se-sally-cortes-romstina-a-romska-identita

Germany News Western Europe

Germany and the Genocide

December 22, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Andreas Bovenschulte, president of Germany upper house, spoke about Sinti, Roma, and Jenische victins of Nazism.

Germany’s upper house remembers Nazi-persecuted populations. In: Cedirates. 20.12.2025. https://cedirates.com/news/germanys-upper-house-remembersnazi-persecuted-populations/?ref=cedirates

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

December 22, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Not much in terms of news in France this week about Roma. A camp was vacated near Paris; a judge rejected the appeal against an “insertion” village near Nantes; and the story of a Rom, his wife and children forced to live in their car.

A Novillers (Oise), 300 Roms ont quitté le camp, la Thelloise a dû payer 30 000 € pour sécuriser le site. In: L’observateur de Beauvais. 21.12.2025. https://www.lobservateurdebeauvais.fr/novillers-oise-300-roms-camp-thelloise-degats/
Le tribunal rejette la requête des opposants au terrain d’insertion des familles roms à Orvault. In: Ma Ville. 17.12.2025. https://nantes.maville.com/actu/actudet_-le-tribunal-rejette-la-requete-des-opposants-au-terrain-d-insertion-des-familles-roms-a-orvault-_fil-7113709_actu.Htm#google_vignette
“Les enfants vont geler et nous avec eux” : une famille vit depuis plusieurs mois dans sa voiture à Roanne. In: France Bleu. 22.12.2025. https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/economie-social/les-enfants-vont-geler-et-nous-avec-eux-une-famille-vit-depuis-plusieurs-mois-dans-leur-voiture-a-roanne-4843279

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

December 14, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

There was very little news in the French press about Roma this week. Charlie Hebdo, one satirical French paper published an article about Stolipinovo, the Roma Mahala in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. As usual in France, unfortunately not well informed. Other than that, In Nantes, a collective is trying to help Roma.

Les habitants de Doulon-Gohards organisent une réunion publique Dimanche. In: Ma Ville Ouest France. 13.12.2025. https://nantes.maville.com/actu/actudet_-les-habitants-de-doulon-gohards-organisent-une-reunion-publique-dimanche-_fil-7107877_actu.Htm#google_vignette
Dans le plus grand ghetto rom d’Europe, un peuple introuvable. In: Charlie Hebdo. 10.12.2025. https://charliehebdo.fr/2025/12/international/europe/bulgarie-dans-le-plus-grand-ghetto-rom-deurope-un-peuple-introuvable/

Germany News Western Europe

Germany, Police, and Roma

December 11, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Sinti and Roma are frequently subjected to prejudice and discrimination by the police, according to a report. The Reporting and Information Center on Antigypsyism (MIA) analyzed 215 cases reported by victims between 2020 and 2024 for the report presented in Berlin on Thursday.

According to the report, Sinti and Roma often report that their complaints are not recorded by the police, and that incidents are downplayed or denied. Investigations against police officers following complaints are reportedly dropped. In some cases, victims who file a complaint themselves become the target of investigations. The study evaluates hundreds of allegations of discrimination against Roma and Sinti by the police. The spectrum ranges from reports not being recorded to violence – even at a children’s birthday party. Experts are calling for recognition of institutional problems within police departments.

Studie deckt auf: Antiziganismus bei der Polizei Alltag. In: MiGazin. 07.12.2025. https://www.migazin.de/2025/12/07/studie-deckt-auf-antiziganismus-bei-der-polizei-alltag/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky

News Western Europe Sweden

Minority Policies in Sweden

December 11, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Minority policy has now existed in Sweden for 25 years. A seminar was held in the Riksdag that both looked back on the development and pointed out what is needed going forward. Lars Lindgren, a Swedish Rom “Reisende” from DO tells how he views these 25 years and what challenges still remain.

Lars Lindgren: Maj pasulime insatsura trubun ande minoritetno politika. In: Sverige Radio. 09.12.2025. https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/lars-lindgren-maj-pasulime-insatsura-trubun-ande-minoritetno-politika?brid=IFV9PD9GtKXt_8zCQoEYnA

Germany News Western Europe

Schwaben: Exhibition

December 10, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

The traveling exhibition “Swabian Sinti and Roma in Past and Present,” organized by the Swabian District Heritage Preservation Office, has opened at the Church of Mary Queen of Peace (Johannesstr. 4). The exhibition is a collaboration between the Swabian District Heritage Preservation Office and the Regional Association of German Sinti and Roma Swabia. It is open daily from 12 pm to 7 pm until January 22. (AZ)

Ausstellung über das Leben der Sinti und Roma in Gersthofen. In: Augsburger Allgemeine. 09.12.2025. https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/augsburg-land/ausstellung-in-gersthofen-schwaebische-sinti-und-roma-in-vergangenheit-und-gegenwart-112959232

Germany News Western Europe

Berlin: Exhibition

December 10, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

The exhibition “Resistance and Dignity” by the feminist organization RomaniPhen e.V. and the FHXB Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg Museum focuses on the knowledge and experiences of Roma and Sinti. Since 1945 to the present day, Roma and Sinti have been fighting for a dignified life and remembrance.

Widerstand und Würde – Verbundene Kämpfe von Rom*nja und Sinti*zze nach 1945. In: FHXB. 14.11.2025. https://www.fhxb-museum.de/news-detail/ausstellungsankuendigung-widerstand-und-wuerde-verbundene-kaempfe-von-romnja-und-sintizze-nach-1945

Austria News Western Europe

Austria and Racism

December 10, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

A special rapporteur of the UN Human Rights Council criticized the lack of awareness of racism in Austria following a visit there. “There is a widespread reluctance to fully acknowledge the existence of racism,” Indian political scientist Ashwini K. P. told the APA news agency on Monday at the UN headquarters in Vienna. She clearly stated her opposition to the planned headscarf ban for girls, arguing that it would reinforce prejudices.

She had also received “disturbing reports and accounts” of discrimination against Roma and Sinti. She was also “deeply concerned” about the increase in anti-Semitic incidents.

Rassismus-Problem: UNO-Beobachterin übt scharfe Kritik an Österreich. In: Die Presse. 09.12.2025. https://www.diepresse.com/20390311/rassismus-problem-uno-beobachterin-uebt-scharfe-kritik-an-oesterreich

Germany News Western Europe

Romani Rose

December 10, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

The city of Heidelberg has honored Romani Rose with its Citizen’s Medal for his outstanding commitment to the city and the rights of Sinti and Roma.

Mayor Eckart Würzner presented the award on Thursday evening, December 4, at the town hall. Romani Rose has been Chairman of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma since 1982. From 1991, he served as Managing Director of the Documentation and Cultural Center of German Sinti and Roma in the Old Town.

Romani Rose mit Bürgermedaille ausgezeichnet. In: de. 10.12.2025. https://www.heidelberg.de/Stadtblatt/start/stadtblatt-artikel+in+der+uebersicht/10_12_2025+romani+rose+mit+buergermedaille+ausgezeichnet.html

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

December 7, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

The first article in the French press, in a renowned women’s magazine is titled “Report from Romania: Witchcraft as a tool for women’s emancipation”. While there may be such cases, this is by far not the only tool and is definitively pandering to stereotypes. In Verdun and in Metz, two conferences and meetings to better the views of the French on Roma, albeit with a focus on Romania. The rest of the news is standard. Near Paris, 300 Roma camp in a village of 400 inhabitants; and a death following a fire.

Reportage en Roumanie : la sorcellerie comme outil d’émancipation des femmes. In: Marie Claire. 03.12.2025. https://www.marieclaire.fr/reportage-en-roumanie-la-sorcellerie-comme-outil-d-emancipation-des-femmes,1504253.asp
Solidarité internationale : une soirée pour changer de regard sur les Roms. In: L’Est Républicain. 06.12.2025. https://www.estrepublicain.fr/societe/2025/12/06/solidarite-internationale-une-soiree-pour-changer-de-regard-sur-les-roms
Débat “Regards croisés France-Roumanie. Place des Roms” organisé par le CCFD-Terre Solidaire. In: Républicains Lorrains. 01.12.2025. https://www.republicain-lorrain.fr/culture-loisirs/2025/12/01/debat-regards-croises-france-roumanie-place-des-roms-organise-par-le-ccfd-terre-solidaire-gpso
CCFD-Terre Solidaire : accueil du partenaire roumain à Metz. In: Église Catholique en Lorraine. 05.12.2025. https://metz.catholique.fr/actualites/actualites-diocesaines/468825-ccfd-terre-solidaire-accueil-du-partenaire-roumain-a-metz/
Dans l’Oise, plus de 300 Roms s’étaient installés dans un village de moins de 400 habitants. In: Courrier Picard. 01.12.2025. https://www.courrier-picard.fr/id680030/article/2025-12-05/dans-loise-plus-de-300-roms-setaient-installes-dans-un-village-de-moins-de-400
Val-de-Marne : un cadavre retrouvé par les secours après un incendie, une enquête ouverte. In: Le PaRISIEN. 03.12.2025. https://www.leparisien.fr/val-de-marne-94/val-de-marne-un-cadavre-retrouve-par-les-secours-apres-un-incendie-une-enquete-ouverte-03-12-2025-RJHCFHMW6FBAREBXEBDY2F4JWE.php

Germany News Western Europe

Concert

December 5, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Frankfurt marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz with a concert by the Roma and Sinti Philharmonic. The event was dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust and carries a strong message: memory is not the past, but the responsibility to prevent hatred and war. Representatives of German institutions emphasized the importance of the culture of remembrance and its transmission to young generations. Music has become a bridge between peoples and a reminder that forgetting leads to repetition.

Romi i Sinti: Muzikom protiv zaborava na stradanje u Aušvicu. In: Deutsche Welle. 05.12.2025.https://www.dw.com/sr/romi-i-sinti-muzikom-protiv-zaborava-na-stradanje-u-aušvicu/video-75009236

Germany News Western Europe

Documentary

December 5, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

The impressive film by Melanie Spitta and Katrin Seybold sheds light on the persecution of the German Sinti during National Socialism, as well as the challenges and resistance associated with coming to terms with this dark chapter.

„Das falsche Wort“ – Dokumentarfilm über die Verfolgung der deutschen Sinti während des Nationalsozialismus. In: Bistum Aachen. 12.01.2026. https://www.bistum-aachen.de/region-heinsberg/aktuell/veranstaltungen/veranstaltung/Das-falsche-Wort-Dokumentarfilm-ueber-die-Verfolgung-der-deutschen-Sinti-waehrend-des-Nationalsozialismus-2026.01.12/?instancedate=1768233600000

News Western Europe Spain

Roma in Spain

November 30, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

An overview of the current situation, progress, and challenges faced by Roma in Spain.

Continued efforts to improve situation of Roma in Spain but concerns persist. In: Council of Europe. 27.11.2025. https://www.coe.int/fr/web/portal/full-news/-/asset_publisher/y5xQt7QdunzT/content/id/293188313?_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_y5xQt7QdunzT_languageId=en_GB#p_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_y5xQt7QdunzT

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

November 30, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Not many news this week in France about Roma. Two very different articles on so-called insertions villages in Western France. One, with a positive twist in Saint Herblain, one with a hint of a strong opposition at local level in Orvault. Finally, a debate about Roma from Romania with an association that helps them but unfortunately also perpetuates some stereotypes.

« Ça a changé notre vie » : cinq mois plus tard, le terrain d’insertion pour les Roms séduit à Saint-Herblain. In: Nates Maville. 27.11.2025. https://nantes.maville.com/actu/actudet_–ca-a-change-notre-vie-cinq-mois-plus-tard-le-terrain-d-insertion-pour-les-roms-seduit-a-saint-herblain-_-7082658_actu.Htm#google_vignette
La polémique se durcit autour du futur terrain d’insertion des familles roms à Orvaul In: Maville. 24.11.2025. https://saint-nazaire.maville.com/actu/actudet_-la-polemique-se-durcit-autour-du-futur-terrain-d-insertion-des-familles-roms-a-orvault-_dep-7077678_actu.Htm#google_vignette
“Regards croisés France-Roumanie. In: Le Journal de Soane et Loire. 29.11.2025. https://www.lejsl.com/pour-sortir/loisirs/Rencontre-conference/Debats/Lorraine/Moselle/Metz/2025/11/29/Regards-croises-france-roumanie-place-des-roms

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

November 23, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Almost nothing this week on Roma in France. A single article over a site for the reintegration for Roma families.

« On ne peut pas rester sans rien faire » : bras de fer autour d’un terrain d’insertion dédié à des familles roms. In: Ma Ville. 18.11.2025. https://saint-nazaire.maville.com/actu/actudet_–on-ne-peut-pas-rester-sans-rien-faire-bras-de-fer-autour-d-un-terrain-d-insertion-dedie-a-des-familles-roms-_fil-7071195_actu.Htm#google_vignette

Cyprus News Western Europe

Roma in Cyprus

November 23, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

The council of Europe is raising concerns about Roma in Cyprus, where they are not recognised as a minority. Many of them originally came from Bulgaria after the split of the island.

Chypre : des efforts notables déployés pour protéger les droits des minorités, mais des progrès restent à faire. In: Council of Europe. 21.11.2025. https://www.coe.int/fr/web/portal/-/cyprus-worthy-efforts-to-protect-minority-rights-but-further-progress-needed

Greece News Western Europe

Greece, Police, and Roma

November 23, 2025 Published by: Roma Foundation

Since November 15, the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis has deployed police officers to 152 areas inhabited by Roma across the country. These “prevention and mediation teams,” as the government calls them, are composed of 473 police officers and 50 mediators tasked with serving as a bridge between law enforcement and the Roma community. They have begun patrolling in the provinces, Thessaloniki, and Attica, and are responsible for monitoring the camps 24/7, conducting preventative checks, and informing Roma citizens about administrative procedures or directing them to social services.

In brief, a special police for Roma settlements.

GRÈCE : UNE POLICE SPÉCIALE POUR SURVEILLER LES CAMPEMENTS ROMS. In: Le Courrier des Balkans. 21.11.2025. https://www.courrierdesbalkans.fr/Grece-une-police-speciale-pour-surveiller-les-campements-roms