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EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib

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EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib

Roma, numbering between 10 and 12 million in Europe, face ongoing discrimination and historical persecution, including genocide during the Nazi era.

The EU has set goals for 2030 to combat discrimination against Roma and improve their access to education, employment, and housing, with some progress noted but significant barriers remaining.

Prejudice against Roma persists, with many Europeans uncomfortable having Roma neighbors, highlighting the need for societal change and inclusion to strengthen communities.

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Movie

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Movie

The film “SMOOTH THE EDGES,” directed by Charles Newland, is a significant step for Roma representation in British cinema, premiering at the Seville European Film Festival.

The story focuses on a Romni’s struggles with prejudice and identity, highlighting the challenges of concealing cultural heritage for acceptance.

The production features a majority Romani cast and crew, aiming to challenge stereotypes and provide authentic representation in the film industry.

Italy News Western Europe

Illegal Villa

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Illegal Villa

Matteo Chiantore, the mayor of Ivrea, has been under police protection for two months due to tensions surrounding the demolition of an illegal villa near a Roma camp.

The demolition, which took place on November 5, concluded a long-standing administrative issue that had lasted over a decade, with significant police presence ensuring the operation went smoothly.

The local Democratic Party emphasized the importance of balancing legality and inclusion in governance, thanking the administration for handling the complex situation responsibly.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Racist Intent

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Racist Intent

A 15-year-old student at a technical school in Levice has been accused of making violent threats against classmates, including a list of intended victims and racist remarks targeting minorities. The threatened to kill all Roma and Jews.

The situation escalated after students reported the threats to their teacher, prompting police intervention and the student’s temporary detention, although he was released without charges the next day.

The school administration is working to reassure parents and students about safety measures in place following the incident, while local police continue their investigation.

News Eastern Europe Ukraine

Settlement

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Settlement

In Zimna Voda near Lviv, Ukraine, a Roma settlement exists on land owned by Ukrzaliznytsia, with discussions ongoing about relocating the residents due to safety concerns.

Residents, including Viktor and Tatyana, express uncertainty about their future, with some considering buying land but facing financial difficulties.

Local authorities, including village head Volodymyr Hutnyk and deputy head Ivan Sobko, are seeking a peaceful resolution for the relocation, emphasizing the need for legal compliance and support for the families involved.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria Language Law

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Bulgaria Language Law

The recent parliamentary vote on the Bulgarian language law indicates a shift towards nationalism, aligning with the ideologies of various political factions in Bulgaria, including the BSP and nationalist parties.

The law’s approval raises concerns about the rights of ethnic minorities in Bulgaria, suggesting that they may need permission to use their languages publicly, thus making them ‘invisible’ in society.

The article criticizes the law as a regressive step for Bulgaria’s European integration and warns of potential legal challenges in Strasbourg for violating minority rights.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

According to the article, progress has been noted in employment, preschool education, and strengthening national policies for the inclusion of Roma, with the percentage of Roma in severe material deprivation decreasing from 62% in 2016 to 37% in 2024.

The proportion of young Roma engaged in employment, education, or training increased from 38% to 53%, and those in paid employment rose from 43% to 54%.

Despite these improvements, challenges remain, including segregation in schools, low completion rates of secondary education, and high poverty risk among Roma children, with 77% still facing poverty.

The fact that one doesn’t know how may Roma there are in Slovenia renders these percentages pretty irrelevant…

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Memorial

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Memorial

A memorial event was held in Hungary at the Zalaegerszeg train station to honor the Roma victims of the Holocaust, specifically those deported on November 2-3, 1944.

Local officials emphasized the importance of remembering the past and educating younger generations about the atrocities faced by Roma families due to their ethnicity.

The event concluded with the singing of the Romani anthem and the laying of wreaths at a commemorative plaque.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Romanes Day in Slovakia

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Romanes Day in Slovakia

The Slovak government’s commissioner for Roma communities, Alexander Daško, emphasized the importance of protecting and passing on the Romani language to future generations on International Romani Language Day.

He highlighted that the language is a vital part of Romani identity, history, and cultural heritage, containing the stories, traditions, and values that connect generations.

The International Romani Language Day was established on November 5, 2009, by linguists and leaders from 15 European countries, and was recognized by UNESCO in 2015.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

National Minorities Council

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National Minorities Council

Srđan Šajn, president of the Roma Party in Serbia, stated that his party declined to sign an initiative to boycott the elections for the National Council of the Roma National Minority. The reason, he explained, is that other Roma political parties supporting the initiative “were, until recently, close to the regime of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).”

Moldova News Eastern Europe

Moldova and Romanes

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Moldova and Romanes

According to the article, only about 30% of Roma in Moldova speak Romanes, with transmission to younger generations becoming increasingly difficult due to various factors, including lack of standardized writing and integration into other linguistic environments.

The Agency for Interethnic Relations emphasizes the importance of protecting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Roma community, with initiatives like a new curriculum on Roma traditions and the first certified Romani interpreter in Moldova.

Events are organized to celebrate World Romani Language Day, aiming to promote the language and cultural identity of the Roma, while addressing issues like illiteracy and school dropout rates within the community.

  • „Se pierde”: Limba romani, vorbită doar de o treime dintre romii din R. Moldova. In: Moldova 1. 05.11.2026. https://moldova1.md/p/89510
Europe News Eastern Europe Romania

Council of Europe and Romanes

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Council of Europe and Romanes

The International Romani Language Day conference at the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg focuses on safeguarding the Romani language, emphasizing its cultural significance and the challenges it faces.

Experts highlight the close relationship between Romani identity and language, advocating for its promotion as a shared heritage rather than a test of authenticity.

Discussions include the need for educational initiatives to teach Romanes, combat discrimination, and utilize digital tools to preserve and promote the language.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Romanes in Montenegro

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Romanes in Montenegro

Romanes is crucial for the identity and cultural heritage of the Roma community, yet it lacks formal recognition in Montenegro’s education system.

Elvis Beriša emphasizes the need for Roma children to learn their ancestral language alongside the majority language to foster their educational potential and identity.

International reports highlight the discrimination faced by Roma and the necessity for Montenegro to implement strategies for the protection and promotion of the Roma language in education and public life.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Romani Municipalities

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Romani Municipalities

 The municipalities with the highest number of Roma inhabitants in Slovakia are Jarovnice, Luník IX, and Trebišov, while those with the highest percentage of Roma are Lomnička, Luník IX, and Jurské.

The Sociographic Mapping of Roma Communities (SMARK) 2025 identified approximately 452,000 residents in 851 municipalities, with a significant increase in the number of Roma since 2019.

Key findings indicate that the average number of people living in a household in Roma areas is higher than the national average, with a predominance of family houses and shanties as living conditions.

Europe

International Romani Day

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International Romani Day

Several articles on the International Romanes Day celebrated on November 5th.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Documentary

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Documentary

A documentary highlights early marriages and motherhood in Roma communities in Greece, focusing on the personal stories of women, particularly through the voice of a Roma influencer named Ourania.

The filmmakers emphasize the importance of portraying the complexity of individual experiences rather than generalizing the Roma community, aiming to avoid stereotypes and biases.

The documentary was screened at the 14th Chania Film Festival and aims to foster dialogue about sensitive social issues while respecting the dignity of the individuals involved. 

Greece News Western Europe

Greek Populism

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Greek Populism

Afrodite Latinopoulou, head of a right wing party,  proposed police patrols with specially trained dogs in areas of Athens, such as Agios Panteleimonas and Omonia, to enhance law enforcement and manage immigration issues.

She called for the establishment of permanent military units in Roma camps to combat illegal activities and suggested ending welfare policies for Roma who do not comply with legal obligations.

Latinopoulou emphasized the need for integrating Roma minors into the school system and enforcing penalties for illegal activities, asserting that police should have more authority to act against crime.

Really????

Bosnia News Eastern Europe

“Furaj Mir”

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“Furaj Mir”

The Furaj Mir program in Bosnia and Herzegovina empowers young people to address societal prejudices, particularly against the Roma community, through creative exhibitions that explore the roots of discrimination and promote dialogue.

Participants, including Almir Agic and Milica Ostojic, highlight the importance of understanding and empathy in overcoming stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society.

The initiative, supported by various organizations and influencers, aims to create a platform for young voices to advocate for change and build a society of equals, despite the lingering effects of the Bosnian war.

Uncategorized

István Gyöngyösi

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István Gyöngyösi

István Gyöngyösi, a Roma politician from a small Hungarian village, has made significant strides by representing Hungary at the Council of Europe, advocating for equal opportunities for rural communities. He emphasizes the importance of technology and education in bridging the urban-rural divide and calls for fair pay and human oversight in the age of AI.

The rise of Gyöngyösi’s Tisza Party follows a rejection of the previous government, with increased support from Roma communities seeking inclusion and political representation.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Discrimination

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Discrimination

A monitoring report by the Slovak National Centre for Human Rights revealed significant discrimination against Roma individuals in the rental housing market in Banská Bystrica, with nine cases of suspected discrimination identified.

Roma couples faced direct refusals and unequal treatment compared to non-Roma couples during apartment viewings, including false information about availability and shorter viewing times.

The Centre plans to inform real estate agencies about the findings and encourage compliance with anti-discrimination laws, while continuing to monitor equal treatment in housing services.

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