Greece – rroma.org https://rroma.org Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:16:11 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://rroma.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-greenwheel_large-1-32x32.png Greece – rroma.org https://rroma.org 32 32 Integration? https://rroma.org/integration-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=integration-3 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:16:11 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33335 A new initiative in Patras aims to support and integrate Roma communities through the establishment of a ‘Roma Neighborhood Center’ with a budget of €797,513.77, as part of the Western Greece 2021-2027 program.

The initiative focuses on direct engagement with Roma families to identify and address their challenges, particularly in areas with high Roma populations facing social issues and crime.

The center will utilize music as a tool for social change, promoting education, community participation, and positive role models for Roma children, in collaboration with distinguished Roma artists.

So basically, they are using stereotypes … So far, this has not shown real success anywhere.

]]> Roma Gatherings https://rroma.org/roma-gatherings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roma-gatherings Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:54:49 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33272 The presence of Roma in public spaces in Mytilene has reached an intolerable level for residents and visitors, leading to public health and safety concerns due to poor hygiene conditions.

The Mayor of Rhodes, Alexandros Koliadis, and Deputy Mayor Kostas Chalkias visited the Dodecanese Police Directorate to discuss concerns about gatherings of Roma on the island.

The municipal authorities are worried about the emergence of new unauthorized gathering places for Roma and are considering involving the Prosecutor’s Office if necessary.

Bad …

]]> Greece, Police, and Roma https://rroma.org/greece-police-and-roma-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=greece-police-and-roma-3 Sun, 28 Jun 2026 12:08:35 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33235 An article in the Bulgarian press about Police raids in Roma settlements in Greece.

In Nea Zoi, Greece, police operations targeting Roma families have become a regular occurrence, with over 76 raids in six months, involving hundreds of officers, under the guise of maintaining public order.

These actions are part of a broader European trend of criminalizing marginalized communities, with Greece serving as a testing ground for policies that blur the lines between internal policing and border control.

The rhetoric surrounding these operations often frames them as necessary for public safety, perpetuating a narrative that associates Roma identity with crime, while lacking significant international oversight or condemnation.

]]> Roma in Greece https://rroma.org/roma-in-greece/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roma-in-greece Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:35:59 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33214 The greek Roma community of Gerakas expresses strong protest in an opebn letter against frequent police operations targeting their settlement, citing issues with illegal electricity connections due to inadequate infrastructure.

The community emphasizes that they are not using electricity illegally to avoid payment, but rather due to the state’s failure to provide proper connections.

The letter calls for immediate state intervention to address long-standing issues and criticizes the government for misusing European funds instead of promoting social integration for the Roma community.

]]> A Row https://rroma.org/a-row/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-row Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:03:06 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33190 Romani singer Vasilis Paiteris, who has been politically active since 1993, is facing a lawsuit from Aphrodite Latinopoulou, president of the party “Voice of Logic,” for insulting her dignity.

The conflict satarted when Aphrodite Latinopoulou called him “gyftos” (a pejorative term for Roma in Greek). He responded  by making a provocative remark about Latinopoulou’s appearance, which led to her filing the lawsuit.

In a recent TV appearance, Paiteris expressed willingness to apologize and invited Latinopoulou for coffee to discuss reconciliation, suggesting that 700,000 Romani voters could support her if she seeks forgiveness.

]]> Thessaloniki Settlement https://rroma.org/thessaloniki-settlement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thessaloniki-settlement Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:07:14 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33148 The article discusses ongoing issues in Thessaloniki, Greece, regarding the illegal settlement and eviction of Roma families from the Tsairia area, highlighting a complex legal and social backdrop.

Despite proposed solutions for relocating 12 families (about 200 members), progress has stalled due to resistance from the Roma community, citing cultural differences.

The European Court of Human Rights has mandated that the Greek state ensure the dignity of the Roma during relocation, while local officials express frustration over the situation affecting other citizens without homes.

]]> Roma History and Inclusion https://rroma.org/roma-history-and-inclusion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roma-history-and-inclusion Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:15:09 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33116 Panagiotis Charitos is a prominent social worker in Greece, dedicated to the education, social inclusion, and empowerment of Roma communities, with a strong academic background and extensive professional experience.

He has initiated various programs and projects aimed at improving educational access for Roma children, including the establishment of a Creative Activity Center and a Football Academy for Roma children.

Charitos has also been active in local politics, serving as a municipal councilor and advocating for Roma rights and social policies that promote equality and inclusion.

He is involved in the first Greek magazine dedicated to the history and culture of the Roma, titled “Unknown Culture of the Roma,” aims to document and preserve Roma heritage and promote positive examples from the community.

The magazine is a collective effort involving Roma scientists, educators, and community members, focusing on the rich traditions, values, and contributions of the Roma people.

It seeks to combat stereotypes and promote understanding between Roma communities and wider society, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities and respect for Roma culture.

]]> Roma History https://rroma.org/roma-history-4/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roma-history-4 Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:06:56 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33105 Two articles in the Greek press about the origins and history of Roma. These articles were propted by a feud on live TV Greek singer Vasilis Paiteris continues his public feud with MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou, questioning her stance in times of war and admitting he mistakenly voted for her party due to a friend’s candidacy. Paiteris labels Latinopoulou a “big racist” for her views on the Roma community, asserting that he will only apologize if she retracts her derogatory comments about them. During this, they both used the term “gyftos” that is considered to be pejorative.

The two articles are quite astonishingly accurate, with some debatable points. They also dwell on the origins of the various names given to Roma.

]]> Disguised Discrimination https://rroma.org/disguised-discrimination/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=disguised-discrimination Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:05:56 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33102 According to this article, mass police operations against Roma communities in Greece reflect a broader European trend of redefining racial discrimination under the guise of crime prevention and public order maintenance.

The operations, characterized by surveillance drones and aggressive police tactics, have targeted 152 Roma communities, with over 76 operations conducted in just six months.

The rhetoric of crime prevention is used to justify systemic racism against Roma, with the Greek model potentially serving as a template for similar actions across Europe.

]]> Crime in Greece https://rroma.org/crime-in-greece-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=crime-in-greece-3 Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:48:09 +0000 https://rroma.org/?p=33084 The article says that in 2024, 70% of theft and burglary gangs in Greece were reported to be composed of Roma individuals, raising concerns about crime and ethnicity.

The article discusses the public’s desire for equality under the law, regardless of origin, while highlighting the perception of crime linked to specific communities.

It critiques the Greek political system for failing to address the root causes of poverty and social exclusion, advocating for equal rights and obligations for all citizens.

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