Tag Archives: Politics

Germany News Western Europe

Commission on Discrimination

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Commission on Discrimination

A commission has been established to address historical discrimination and institutional injustices faced by Sinti and Roma in post-war Germany, comprising equal representation from both minority and majority communities.

Michael Brand emphasized the importance of this commission as a crucial step in systematically addressing injustices that occurred after 1945.

The commission aims to make experiences of injustice visible, close knowledge gaps, and derive consequences for the present and future, with support from the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility, and Future (EVZ).

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbian Elections and Roma

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Serbian Elections and Roma

The Roma Party claims that socially vulnerable citizens and Roma were pressured to attend a pre-election rally of the SNS in Belgrade, raising concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable groups in elections.

The extraordinary parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25 are expected to be a marathon, according to Srđan Šajn, president of the Roma Party, citing sources close to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).

Šajn claims that the SNS will employ a strategy of ‘exhaustion’ by repeating elections at many polling stations, undermining the will of the citizens.

On the other side, Vučić’s team in Bujanovac, led by prominent Roma community representative Ibro Idić, is actively campaigning for the SNS party ahead of elections.

The team has set up a stand in a predominantly Roma neighborhood to present their plans and assist citizens with state aid applications.

Hungary News Eastern Europe

Corruption?

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Corruption?

Former Hungarian cultural minister Balázs Hankó has been accused of misusing cultural funding to support his political campaign, particularly through a grant to a Roma cultural organization.

The Roma Inkubator Cultural and Artistic Association, led by István Jakab, distributed gift cards to voters in support of Hankó’s candidacy shortly before the elections.

Following the controversy, police investigated Jakab for potential electoral misconduct, and the association later declined a significant grant from Hankó due to the scandal.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma in Serbia

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Roma in Serbia

The president of the Roma Party, Srđan Šajn, criticized a recent rally by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in Belgrade, claiming it incited violence against socially vulnerable groups, including Roma.

Šajn alleged that many attendees were pressured to attend the rally and were given shirts to conceal their true social status.

He urged socially vulnerable individuals, including Roma, to vote for freedom and equality in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the importance of their voices in achieving social justice.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Kostadin Kostadinov

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Kostadin Kostadinov

Kostadin Kostadinov, leader of the political party ‘Vazrazhdane’ and presidential candidate, attended a peaceful protest in the Sofia neighborhood of Lyulin, organized by local residents.

The protest was in response to illegal Roma communities causing disturbances, including harassment and public disorder, affecting the residents’ quality of life and had nothing to do with the protest from Roma about loan sharks.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Serbian Elections

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Serbian Elections

Srđan Šajn, President of the Roma Party, stated today that the party would support the “Students Win” (Studenti pobeđuju) electoral list in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Almost all anti-regime parties have supported the student list, indicating a collective effort towards establishing a rule of law that amplifies the voices of marginalized groups, including the Roma community.

The decision to support the student list is framed as a matter of honor and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of integrity in political representation.

The statement highlights a commitment to defending the dignity of Roma in Serbia, advocating for their right to vote without compromising their values.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Council for Roma Minority Affairs

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Council for Roma Minority Affairs

The Czech Government Council for Roma Minority Affairs discussed priorities including education, employment, anti-discrimination efforts, and increased representation of Roma in government and law enforcement.

Key issues addressed included the ongoing European Commission proceedings regarding the education of Romani children and the socioeconomic challenges faced by the Roma community.

New council member Martin Mata emphasized the need for practical solutions to youth unemployment and the importance of connecting education with job opportunities for Roma youth.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Roma Community Council of Slovenia has opened its first office in southeastern Slovenia, located in Kočevje, to improve connections with the Roma community, municipalities, and organizations in the region.

A full-time coordinator will manage the office, facilitating initiatives, sharing information, and enhancing communication between local Roma and the council.

Local and state representatives expect the office to foster better dialogue on issues related to education, employment, and the integration of Roma individuals.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

National Council of Minorities

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National Council of Minorities

The Republic Electoral Commission announced the electoral list “United Roma for a United Serbia” led by Dejan Lajković for the upcoming elections for the National Council of the Roma National Minority, scheduled for November 8.

Marina Đukanović, a member of the RIK, stated that the electoral list was received yesterday and that 35 members will be elected to the national council.

According to the temporary resolution from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, at least 610 verified statements are needed, which is one percent of the 61,030 registered voters on the special electoral roll.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Roma Rights

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Roma Rights

Salih Saitović, president of the Democratic Union of Roma, emphasized the need for a systematic and long-term fight for the rights of the Roma community, advocating for international recognition and support.

In a statement regarding the “Parade of Identity and Solidarity” in Niš, he questioned the visibility and representation of Roma in discussions about marginalized groups.

Saitović called for the establishment of an international institution to represent Roma interests, arguing that the fight against discrimination should extend beyond declarations to include real political and legal mechanisms.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Slovakia, Roma, and NGOs

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Slovakia, Roma, and NGOs

Rudolf Budai, a Romani goldsmith, has joined the political party Právo na pravdu to advocate for the Romani community and address issues of poverty and exploitation by NGOs and state-funded organizations.

Budai criticizes the misuse of state funds meant for cultural support, highlighting the high costs of cultural events that burden impoverished families, and calls for free access to state-funded cultural activities.

He proposes the establishment of state enterprises in Romani communities to create jobs and improve living conditions, while party leaders emphasize the need for accountability and a return to work ethics in addressing community issues.

Czech Republic News Eastern Europe

Museum of Romani Culture

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Museum of Romani Culture

The Czech Culture Ministry plans to hold a competitive selection process for the new director of the Museum of Romani Culture, with hopes that a Roma person will be appointed.

A petition has been initiated calling for a transparent selection process that includes representatives from the Roma community and civil society.

The current interim director, Karolina Spielmannová, is tasked with ensuring the museum’s continuity following the resignation of the previous director, Jana Horváthová.

News Eastern Europe Romania

Roma Politics

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Roma Politics

An important meeting for the Romani Party of Vrancea, Romania,  took place, focusing on the party’s reorganization following a scandal involving former leader Toader Constantin, accused of rape.

Deputy Nicolae Păun emphasized the need for preparation for the 2028 elections, urging the identification of capable candidates from the Romani community.

The meeting concluded with discussions on political strategy, community involvement, and the need for basic services for Romani families in Vrancea and Buzău.

News Eastern Europe Slovenia

Roma “Problematic”

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Roma “Problematic”

The Dolenjska People’s Initiative held its fourth consultation in Novo mesto regarding issues related to the Roma community and conditions in southeastern Slovenia, highlighting the absence of many invited participants.

Key attendees included local and state representatives, but many Roma councilors and organizations like Amnesty International were notably absent, raising concerns about engagement.

Not surprising when you consider what policies the inititative is proposing…

News Eastern Europe North Macedonia

Šerutnipe

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Šerutnipe

Roma leaders from various European countries gathered in Skopje to discuss political participation and how mandates can lead to tangible changes in local communities.

The initiative “Sherutnipe” aims to connect elected Roma representatives with organizations working to improve the status of Roma communities, focusing on the implementation of public projects funded through local budgets.

Since 2019, Roma public officials in five countries have secured over 42 million euros for projects related to infrastructure, education, and housing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration at both local and European levels.

News Eastern Europe Serbia

Romani Politics

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Romani Politics

The Civil Movement of Roma in Serbia announced its decision to withdraw from negotiations for a joint electoral list with the Union of Roma in Serbia for the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 25.

The negotiations, which began on September 5, included the Roma Party, the Democratic Union of Roma, the Union of Roma in Serbia, and the Civil Movement of Roma in Serbia.

The Civil Movement stated that while there was initial agreement on the idea of a joint electoral performance, subsequent discussions failed due to disagreements over proposals made by the Union of Roma in Serbia.

News Eastern Europe Slovakia

Inclusion of Marginalised Communities

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Inclusion of Marginalised Communities

The Slovak Government Council for the Inclusion of Marginalized Roma Communities held its first meeting on September 22, 2026, in Bratislava, focusing on procedural operations and the current status of EU funds for Roma inclusion.

The Council aims to propose and coordinate effective public policies for the integration of marginalized Roma communities, aligning with Slovakia’s commitments to Roma inclusion and the Slovakia Program 2021-2027.

Key discussions included the implementation of the Slovakia Program budget, recommendations from the final evaluation report, and preparations for the National and Regional Partnership Plan for 2028-2034.

News Eastern Europe Romania Serbia

Cultural Centre

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Cultural Centre

A new cultural center dedicated to Romani culture, language, and traditions was inaugurated in Belgrade, Serbia, attended by Dorin Cioabă, president of one of the current three International Romani Union.

The Romani Cultural Center aims to serve as a meeting point for the community, promoting education, dialogue, and the preservation of Romani identity.

Cioabă emphasized the importance of collaboration among Romani organizations, public institutions, and civil society to maintain Romani culture and traditions.

Bulgaria News Eastern Europe

Roma Leaders

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Roma Leaders

The Third Summit of Roma Leaders in Sofia focuses on unity, leadership, and a European future, organized by the United Roma Communities and the International Roma Union.

Leaders emphasize the need to move beyond merely identifying problems faced by the Roma community and instead propose solutions, seeking collaboration with Bulgarian institutions.

A declaration was presented at the forum advocating for equality, dignity, and active participation of the Roma community in society, highlighting the importance of dialogue and respect for differences.

  • Ромски лидери от различни държави се събраха в София на среща под надслов „Единство, лидерство и европейско бъдеще“. In: BTA. 09.2026. https://www.bta.bg/bg/videos/39718
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.

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