Category Archives: News Western Europe

Austria News Western Europe

Braunau …

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Braunau …

Braunau am Inn celebrates the 25th anniversary of the RoSi-Rastplatz, a unique project supporting Roma and Sinti travelers, recognized for promoting integration and tolerance.

The anniversary features two cultural events: a film screening of “Black Cat, White Cat” and a reading by author Karl-Markus Gauß, highlighting minority cultures.

The RoSi-Rastplatz has received multiple awards for its contributions to civil courage and human rights, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence.

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.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Greece

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Roma in Greece

A meeting was held between Thessaly’s regional governor, Dimitris Koureta, and representatives of the Roma community to discuss issues related to education, health, employment, and housing.

Key challenges faced by Roma communities in Thessaly were addressed, with a focus on school dropout rates, access to health services, and the need for targeted interventions.

The governor emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration with Roma representatives to develop specific proposals for funding and improve living conditions for Roma families in the region.

News Western Europe Spain

Shooting

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Shooting

A shooting incident in Valencia involving rival Roma families resulted in one death and three injuries, with four men arrested. The violence escalated from a family argument between two young cousins, leading to a brawl and gunfight in the streets.

The victim, shot multiple times, died shortly after being hospitalized, while one of the arrested men was also injured in the incident.

You can only wonder at the use of sentences such as “clans of Roma gypsy origin”. They really don’t know what they are talking about …

Greece News Western Europe

Early Marriages

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Early Marriages

Rena Dourou, head of SYRIZA-PS, labeled early marriages among Roma women as a form of gender-based violence during a presentation of a European project aimed at addressing this issue.

She emphasized the dual struggle for bodily autonomy and a dignified life faced by young Roma women, criticizing the societal acceptance of early marriages as a taboo that hinders their dreams.

Dourou highlighted the importance of local government in combating exclusion and mentioned the initiatives taken by the Attica region against anti-Roma sentiment, while honoring the late Deputy Regional Governor for his contributions to Roma solidarity.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

An interesting article highlighting the fact that Roma from Romania actually work, and save money to build a house back in Romania. The rest is more like the usual. Asking where Roma expelled from a camp went – obviously in another camp; an article of Breizh Info claiming that 40% of delicts are done by migrants – claiming the new prefect stated it (but they do not mention it); a vot4er contesting the oucome of the vote for mayor on the basis that many registered voters (read Roma) did not fulfill the actual requirements; an article on Romanes and its influence on French (not really brilliant); and finally an exhibition in Nantes.

France News Western Europe

Rivesaltes

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Rivesaltes

Rivesaltes, a town in Roussillon, is home to a former military camp that served as an internment site during World War II for Spanish refugees, Jews, and Roma, highlighting multiple narratives of exile and forced displacement. From there many were deported to extermination camps.

The Rivesaltes Memorial emphasizes the importance of individual stories over mere statistics, providing a somber reflection on the past while acknowledging the town’s rich historical context dating back to 923.

The article also notes a historical riot in 1873, illustrating Rivesaltes’ long-standing political and social tensions, and suggests that visitors should appreciate both the memorial and the town’s broader historical significance.

Austria News Western Europe

Vienna Memorial

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Vienna Memorial

A memorial for the victims of National Socialism from the Roma and Sinti communities is set to be completed in Vienna by spring 2029, with a focus on engaging youth through social media.

The National Fund aims to maintain project funding despite a decreasing budget and emphasizes the importance of education in combating hate and Holocaust denial.

The chairman, Peter Haubner, advocates for a clear stance against controversial terms like “remigration” in political discourse, stressing the need for sensitivity in Holocaust remembrance. 

Greece News Western Europe

Settlement

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Settlement

The article discusses the plight of 25 Roma families in Riganokampos whose makeshift homes collapsed due to recent heavy rains, prompting local organizations to assess the damage and call for assistance.

The local municipality’s response has been criticized as inadequate, with calls for more permanent solutions, such as providing small prefabricated containers for the families.

The article also touches on political discourse, highlighting a miscommunication regarding unemployment benefits and criticizing the hypocrisy in media coverage of a basketball federation president’s selective press conference.

Austria News Western Europe

Chris the Painter

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Chris the Painter

Chris the Painter, also known as Christian Dumitrasku, creates diverse artworks, including portraits and depictions of Roma musicians, from his studio in Vienna.

He emphasizes the importance of remembering the history of the Roma community, particularly the Holocaust, and engages with his social media followers for inspiration and feedback.

Despite facing discrimination online, Chris remains committed to his art and aims to educate others about Roma culture and history through his work and future exhibitions.

Austria News Western Europe

House of Ethnic Groups

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House of Ethnic Groups

The new House of Ethnic Groups in Oberwart, Austria,  will officially open on September 26, coinciding with the European Day of Languages, promoting cultural diversity.

The center unites various organizations representing Burgenland’s ethnic groups, including Croatian, Hungarian, and Roma communities, providing facilities for cultural activities and collaboration.

The opening event will feature a public open house, allowing visitors to explore the new facilities and learn about the work of the involved organizations.

Bosnia France News Eastern Europe News Western Europe

Hamidovic Clan

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Hamidovic Clan

Seven members of the Hamidovic family are on trial in Paris for human trafficking, organized theft, corruption of minors, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy, accused of forcing children to steal in specific locations.

The clan, known for exploiting young girls, allegedly coerced children under 13 to steal up to 300 euros daily, using violence and threats to ensure compliance.

Previous operations against the clan have led to convictions, and the current trial focuses on the nephew of a previously convicted leader, indicating ongoing criminal activities.

They are Bosnian Roma. It is really bad.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece and Roma

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Greece and Roma

On September 15, mayors from the municipalities of Thermi and Thermaikos met with Michael O’Flaherty, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, to discuss the living conditions of Roma communities in the area.

The mayors expressed concerns about the dire conditions in the Roma settlement in Tsairia, including lack of electricity and water, and highlighted issues of crime and inadequate policing.

O’Flaherty emphasized the importance of social services in supporting the Roma and called for collaboration with local authorities to improve their living conditions and ensure children’s education.

O’Flaherty highlighted the ongoing human rights violations faced by Roma, including lack of access to healthcare and educational segregation, and called for Europe to wake up to these issues.

The exhibition, showcasing the lives and rights of Roma and Travellers, will be held in Thessaloniki until September 18, 2026, featuring works by photographers George Moutafis and Candice Imbert.

Ireland News Western Europe

Ireland, Travellers and Roma

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Ireland, Travellers and Roma

The Irish government has announced an expansion of the Traveller and Roma Local Employment Initiative Pilot Scheme, aimed at improving employment opportunities for these communities in Longford.

Seetec has been selected to deliver this initiative, providing tailored support to help Traveller and Roma individuals overcome barriers to employment.

The initiative is seen as a significant step towards enhancing access to job opportunities for marginalized groups in the region.

Italy News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Romania

Alina Şerban

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Alina Şerban

The Romanian film “Eu contez” [I matter] directed by Alina Șerban won the Audience Award at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, marking a historic achievement for Romanian cinema.

Alina Șerban, a Roma director, is the first Romanian to present a feature film at the Venice Festival, and her film addresses themes of social exclusion and identity through the story of a young Roma woman.

The film has received widespread acclaim for its emotional authenticity and is expected to be a strong contender for international distribution and possibly an Oscar nomination.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece and Roma

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Greece and Roma

During a concert in Thessaloniki, singer Antonis Remos humorously referenced politician Afroditi Latinopoulou in relation to the Gipsy Kings’ performance, linking it to her public dispute with Roma singer Vasilis Paiteris over her use of the term “gypsies” (she used the Greek derogatory giftoi).

Remos suggested that Latinopoulou would be the ideal political figure to attend the concert, eliciting laughter from the audience.

In response, Latinopoulou posted a video on Instagram stating she chose not to attend the concert in protest of the band’s name, expressing she would have attended if it were called “Roma Kings.”

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

Not many news this week in France on Roma. Only two relevant articles, apart from the le Monde reportage. One in Nantes where a restaurant owner tries to block Roma from putting their camping cars in front of his restaurant, and another also near Nantes, where Roma are squating in a wood and are cutting trees.

France News Western Europe

The Hamidović Clan

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The Hamidović Clan

A reportage from le Monde on the Hamidović clan, Roma from Bosnia, mostly located in France, who engage in widespread theft / pickpocket activities. Woemn are sent to steal, men spend the money. A really sad story, as this re-inforces the stereotypes on Roma in general.

But a true story too, and a story that may have been different had it not been a civil war in Bosnia who dispalced them all.

Germany News Western Europe

Sinti in Duisburg

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Sinti in Duisburg

Sinti families have been residing in Duisburg since the 1970s, living in container homes.

They are currently facing fears of being displaced from their homes.

The situation has led to increasing desperation among the Sinti community.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece: Motion

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Greece: Motion

Four members of the New Left party in Greece raised concerns in Parliament about alleged racist targeting of Roma by the Greek police during the “ENTOΣ” operation, particularly regarding the attempted eviction of a Roma community in Thessaloniki.

The European Commissioner for Human Rights has intervened, highlighting police practices that involve heavily armed forces in areas associated with Roma, raising issues of ethnic targeting and police violence.

The MPs are demanding detailed reports from the government on the number of police checks, arrests, and legal proceedings involving the Roma community, questioning the justification for the extensive police actions given the relatively small number of arrests compared to the population.

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