German Police

April 13, 2026 Published by: Roma Foundation

A police operation involving a 25-member Roma family at the University Hospital of Cologne has had repercussions: Police in Bonn are now investigating six Cologne officers on suspicion of incitement to hatred. Bodycam footage is to be reviewed.

In December 2025, a Roma family celebrated the birth of a child in the foyer of the University Hospital of Cologne, triggering a police operation. 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 filed with the Cologne Police Headquarters. Now it is clear: The operation could have far-reaching consequences for six police officers

Nach Einsatz wegen Roma-Familie in Kölner Klinik – Ermittlungen gegen Polizisten. In: Die Welt. 12.04.2026. https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article69da90f1246b3860d5023730/verdacht-volksverhetzung-nach-einsatz-wegen-roma-familie-in-koelner-klinik-ermittlungen-gegen-polizisten.html

Belgien News Westeuropa

Belgium and Roma

April 13, 2026 Published by: Roma Foundation

A new report about Roma in Belgium highlights the persistent racism and institutional discrimination they face in Belgium.

Long history of persecution: Roma people in Belgium still face deep-rooted racism. In: Brussels Times. 11.04.2026. https://www.brusselstimes.com/2068268/long-history-of-persecution-roma-people-still-face-structural-racism-in-belgium

Italien News Westeuropa

Roma Camps in Italy

April 13, 2026 Published by: Roma Foundation

For a long time, Italy parked Roma in segregated camps that were de-facto ghettoes. Now the trend reverses, and 50 camps have been closed in the last 10 years, with 63% fewer people living in slums.

“One Hundred Camps,” the annual report on the condition of Roma and Sinti in Italy, compiled by the Associazione 21 luglio, captures the collapse of an “architecture of discrimination” used for decades to manage migration flows fleeing the Balkan wars.