Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Fentanyl in Bulgaria

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Fentanyl in Bulgaria

Residents of the “Hristo Botev” neighborhood in Sofia report a severe drug problem, particularly with fentanyl, affecting local youth and leading to alarming incidents.

Community members express frustration over the lack of police action and accountability, claiming that drug use is rampant and children are becoming increasingly incapacitated.

Families are suffering from the consequences of drug addiction, with personal stories highlighting the dangers and violence associated with the drug trade in the area.

Greece News Western Europe

Greece, Police, and Roma

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Greece, Police, and Roma

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.

France News Western Europe

French Chronicle …

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French Chronicle …

More news this week in France about Roma.  A reportage about Romanian Roma who have been expelled from France and are returning there; questions about the condemnatioin of France by the European Union; politics in the Nantes region following an accusation of having used Roma to win local elections; near Nantes, a camp being evacuated; in Westen France, a mayor condemned for having denied Roima water; and finally, the impact of the recent extreme heat in France on a settlement near Paris.

News Western Europe Sweden

Sweden and Roma 

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Sweden and Roma 

The Council of Europe has officially accused Sweden of systemic discrimination against Roma migrants, violating the European Social Charter by denying them medical care.

A report highlighted serious violations, including a lack of national rules leading to indirect discrimination through health service fees, with 129 cases showing inadequate care.

Historical issues of discrimination against Roma in Sweden include illegal ethnic profiling by police and barriers in education and housing, prompting calls for official apologies and memorials for the Roma community.

News Switzerland

Travellers in Switzerland

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Travellers in Switzerland

A group of travelers from France camped illegally in a protected area in Switzerland, highlighting the ongoing issue of finding suitable stopping places for travelers in the region.

Currently, there are only two designated temporary stopping places in the Rheintal area, both with strict limitations on duration and prior approval required.

Despite a legal obligation established in 2003 for adequate stopping places, progress has been slow, with only 40% of the needed sites realized, and ongoing resistance from local communities complicating new developments.

Switzerland lacks nearly 80 designated stopping and transit sites for Jenische and Sinti communities, particularly in the western regions. Although ten new sites have been created since 2021, the demand for additional spaces remains high, with calls for more political will from local governments.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Politics and Roma

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Politics and Roma

The article critiques the political style of Dávid Endre, the deputy mayor of Székelyudvarhely, Romania, highlighting his use of enemy-focused politics that perpetuates social tensions rather than addressing underlying issues.

It discusses the problematic representation of the Roma community in media and film, particularly criticizing a documentary that portrays them solely through the lens of suffering without addressing structural causes of their poverty.

The author argues for the need for more nuanced and responsible media portrayals that include Roma voices and stories beyond stereotypes of crime and poverty.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Education Project

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Education Project

A total of 820 Roma children received educational, social, and psychological services as part of an inclusion program, with over 6,000 participating in intercultural dialogue activities to foster understanding among children from different backgrounds.

The project aims to improve access to education and increase school attendance for Roma children in 15 localities, with over 95% promotion rate among monitored children, indicating effective interventions.

The initiative, supported by the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation and the Ministry of Education, also developed a common methodological package for educational institutions and created a unique monitoring database for Roma population data.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma in Greece

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Roma in Greece

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.

Montenegro News Eastern Europe

Roma in Montenegro

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Roma in Montenegro

Elvis Beriša, the executive director of the NGO “Walk with Us,” discussed the marginalization of the Roma community in Montenegro in a podcast episode titled “Roma and Political Parties – Between Representation and Marginalization.”

He described the current status of the Roma community as “very unequal” compared to other minority communities, a sentiment he has held for the past decade.

Beriša emphasized that perceptions of the Roma community are changing slowly, and there is a need for greater awareness of their ability to participate in policy-making at both state and local levels.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Exhibition in Romania

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Exhibition in Romania

A new exhibition in Bucharest titled “The History of the Roma Belongs Here” combines video interviews, portrait photography, and scholarly literature to provide an overview of Roma history and culture in Romania, aiming to challenge public perceptions of the minority.

Curators Delia Popa and Luiza Medeleanu emphasize the importance of showcasing diverse Roma voices and addressing the misconceptions and prejudices surrounding the community.

The exhibition, funded by the EU’s NARDIV project, runs until July 5 at the Goethe Institute and encourages visitors to engage with the narratives and history of the Roma.

News Switzerland

Switzerland and Travellers

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Switzerland and Travellers

The report from the foundation “Future for Swiss Travelers” indicates a slight improvement in the availability of stopping places for travelers in Switzerland over the past five years, but significant needs remain.

The traveling lifestyle is a key part of the identity of Jenische,  and of some Sinti, and Roma communities, who require designated stopping and transit areas for their way of life.

While some regions, like Schaffhausen, serve as positive examples, many politicians are still reluctant to support the establishment of more stopping places, despite the acknowledgment of historical injustices against these communities.

Austria News Western Europe

Minorities

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Minorities

A reform package in Austria aims to constitutionally recognize all six indigenous ethnic groups in the country, including Croats, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and Roma.

A new ethnic group forum will be established, and an annual report will be developed to inform about federal measures for the promotion and preservation of these groups.

The package also ensures the long-term security of bilingual courts in Carinthia, consolidating court locations while maintaining existing court sessions.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Udvar Festival

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Udvar Festival

The article discusses the Udvar Festival in Arló, Hungary, which celebrates the Roma community and its rich culture through music and community events.

The festival has grown significantly over five years, now featuring multiple concert venues and numerous performers, emphasizing cultural and social goals.

Local initiatives aim to engage families and improve community ties, addressing poverty and promoting positive aspects of Roma culture.

Greece News Western Europe

A Row

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A Row

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.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Bulgaria: Racism

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Bulgaria: Racism

A recent incident at Grand Hotel Therme in Bulgaria has been described as a brutal act of racism, where a group of Roma individuals with confirmed reservations were denied entry and humiliated by hotel staff.

Human rights lawyers argue that this case exemplifies a clear violation of Bulgaria’s anti-discrimination laws, highlighting systemic discrimination against ethnic minorities.

The situation has prompted calls for international scrutiny and potential legal action against the hotel, as well as protests from Roma organizations and citizens against discriminatory practices in tourism.

Czech Republic Europe News Eastern Europe

Journalism Award

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Journalism Award

The Council of Europe awarded several journalists for their ethical reporting on Roma and Travellers during a ceremony on June 18, 2026, in Strasbourg, France, coinciding with No Hate Speech Week.

Gwendolyn Albert accepted the award on behalf of Jana Baudyšová, highlighting the recognition of the entire editorial team of the magazine Romano voďi and their contributions to human rights and the Romani movement.

Other awardees included Adam Charlton, Paula Szewczyk, Višnja Višnjić Milić, and Eftychia Soufleri, with the awards emphasizing the importance of addressing prejudices and promoting dignity for the Romani community.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

No Racial Profiling?

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No Racial Profiling?

The Slovenian Advocate of the Principle of Equality has halted an investigation into alleged ethnic profiling of Roma during tax enforcement procedures, concluding that no discrimination occurred.

The investigation was initiated due to concerns about vehicle seizures in joint operations by the Financial Administration and police, examining whether Roma were treated unequally based on their ethnicity.

The Advocate found that authorities acted within legal frameworks and based on objective circumstances, with the main reason for enforcement being unpaid debts to the state, not ethnic background.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbian Politics

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Serbian Politics

Srđan Šajn, president of the Roma Party, criticized the government’s approach towards Roma and vulnerable groups, particularly regarding financial incentives for attending a political rally. He highlighted concerns about efforts to suppress opposition within the Roma community, suggesting that local criminals are involved in manipulating attendance for political appearances.

The statement reflects a broader issue of how marginalized groups are treated in political contexts, emphasizing the need for genuine representation rather than tokenism.

News Eastern Europe Serbia Slovenia

Slovenia: International Conference

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Slovenia: International Conference

An international conference in Murska Sobota, Slovenia, gathered representatives from Roma communities and organizations across Europe to discuss the progress and challenges faced by Roma people over the past two decades.

Dalibor Nakić, president of the National Council of the Roma National Minority, highlighted advancements in education and political participation for Roma in Serbia, attributing these to collaboration with state institutions and civil society.

The conference showcased successful integration examples, particularly the Pušča settlement, recognized for its developed infrastructure and community organization, serving as a model for local development for Roma in Slovenia.

Croatia News Eastern Europe

Croatia and Housing

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Croatia and Housing

The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction, and State Property has announced a public call for financial support for spatial planning in areas inhabited by Roma for the year 2026. The total planned value of the public call is €79,634, aimed at creating spatial plans and technical documentation for construction permits in these areas.

Eligible applicants are local government units with over 1% of the Roma national minority, as per the 2021 census, with a minimum of 20 Roma residents.

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