Tag Archives: History

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Roma in Europe

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Roma in Europe

The European Union’s new strategy for combating discrimination against Roma, adopted on January 21, 2026, aims to address historical and institutional discrimination with more radical measures.

Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe, face significant socio-economic challenges, including high poverty rates and discrimination in access to education and healthcare.

The new strategy emphasizes education, equal rights, and political participation for Roma, while acknowledging the need to address broader societal issues that contribute to anti-Roma discrimination.

Greece News Eastern Europe News Western Europe Romania

Slavery

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Slavery

The article discusses the historical and contemporary devaluation of Roma lives, highlighting a 1852 advertisement for the sale of Roma slaves in Romania.

It explores the etymology of terms used for Romani people, noting the negative connotations associated with the word “Gypsy” and its implications of being marginalized and dehumanized.

The author reflects on societal attitudes towards Romani people, exemplified by the recent police killing of a young Romani man, emphasizing ongoing discrimination and violence against this community.

Austria News Western Europe

Roma in Burgenland

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Roma in Burgenland

The documentary “Roma in Burgenland – Stories We Tell Ourselves” by director Robert Dornhelm explores the history, culture, and current challenges faced by the Burgenland Roma, a group rooted in Austria for centuries but still facing prejudice and discrimination.

It spans from the 1930s to the present, highlighting the Roma’s vibrant culture through music, traditions, and personal stories, while also addressing their historical victimization.

The film features contributions from the Roma community and includes reflections on the legacy of figures like Charlie Chaplin, emphasizing themes of identity, memory, and dignity.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Viața de Țigani

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Viața de Țigani

Pepe’s new single “Viața de Țigani” is accompanied by a documentary film that showcases nearly a century of family history in under four minutes, featuring archival footage and personal moments.

The film highlights five generations of Pepe’s family, culminating in the introduction of his two-month-old daughter, Jessica, marking her public debut.

The narrative emphasizes the importance of family bonds and traditions, with Pepe reflecting on his upbringing and the legacy of music passed down through generations.

Austria News Western Europe

Forced Labour

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Forced Labour

Historical evidence shows that Roma from Burgenland were forced to work on the Reichsautobahn during the Nazi era, with new research pinpointing specific locations of these labor camps.

Writer Ludwig Laher has been investigating Nazi forced labor and the persecution of Roma and Sinti, utilizing new archival sources to shed light on these historical events.

Events organized by Roma-VHS Burgenland aim to raise awareness about the history of forced labor and keep the memory of the victims alive, highlighting the ongoing relevance of this topic today.

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.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma History and Inclusion

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Roma History and Inclusion

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.

Greece News Western Europe

Roma History

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Roma History

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.

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Switzerland and Jenische and Sinti

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Switzerland and Jenische and Sinti

The Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs plans to establish an independent commission to investigate injustices against the Yenish and Sinti communities.

This decision follows calls from scholars and representatives of the affected communities for a thorough investigation into historical injustices.

Critics have expressed concerns over limited access to archival files and the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the persecution faced by these minorities.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma History

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Roma History

Višnja Višnjić Milić won an award for her ethical reporting on Roma history and Holocaust remembrance, focusing on the suffering of Roma during World War II.

Her program “Građanin” highlighted the experiences of Roma in two concentration camps, showcasing journalistic integrity and high ethical standards. Milić emphasized the importance of creating understanding and dialogue about marginalized communities, viewing the award as motivation to continue her work against discrimination.

News Eastern Europe Ukraine

Odessa: Exhibition

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Odessa: Exhibition

The exhibition “Invisible. Resilience: The Past and Present of the Roma” explores the history and culture of the Roma people and highlights the Roma community’s contribution to modern society.

The exhibition consists of two thematic sections, each focusing on the past and present of the Roma people. Particular attention is paid to identity as a form of resistance and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The event was organized by the ARKA Youth Agency for Roma Culture Advocacy in partnership with the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve, the Odesa Holocaust Research Center, and the Ukrainian Holocaust Research Center. The project was implemented with the support of the German Embassy in Ukraine and the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance.

News Western Europe Spain

Resistance / Six Centuries

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Resistance / Six Centuries

An article in El Pais about Roma resistqance and the new generation. Unfortunately, they mix up their history. They say six centuries in Europe. Roma have effectively been for six centuries in Western Europe, but for much longer in the Balkan and in Greece.

This is always the same misreading of history, and from a normally good paper. And in addition they state “Roma people”… Would they say Spanish people? Or just Spaniards?

Annoying.

Europe

Memory

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Memory

According to the Council of Europe, they key to prevent discrimination against Roma and travellers, is the importance of historical memory.

Unfortunately, not as simple, look at the Holocaust and Antisemitism.

Italy News Western Europe

Who are Roma?

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Who are Roma?

An article lin the Italian press about Roma. Roma, a European people of Indian origin, have a vibrant and complex culture. Their historical mobility is not “innate” but arises from expulsions, conflicts, and marginalization. The term “Gypsy” carries stereotypes and stigma, obscuring their identity and history.

They highlight a book “The Roma Journeys” by Joakim Eskildsen.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Romano Them

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Romano Them

The Romano Them Radio show on the Belgrade Radio features Professor Husein Kicuk talks about the forced name change of Roma in Bulgaria during communism and the consequences that this policy had on the identity and Romani language. Young Roma football players in the Czech Republic faced racist insults, and local authorities and sports clubs responded with the “No to Racism” campaign and support for the community. We present the work of the Commissioner for Roma Issues in the Government of the Czech Republic, Lucie Fukova, and her contribution to the inclusion of Roma in public life.

Germany News Western Europe

Roma History

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Roma History

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Society for Geography and Cultures of the World, in cooperation with the Museum of Nature and Environment, will host a lecture at 7 p.m. entitled “Sinti and Roma in Lübeck – From 1933 to the Present Day.” The speakers are the authors of the book of the same name, Elisabeth Eßer and Gerhard Eikenbusch, who will present the results of their joint research on the lives of Lübeck’s Sinti and Roma from the Nazi era to the present day.

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