ERGO Network is the largest European network of Roma and pro-Roma grassroots organisations.
We fight for the fundamental rights of Roma and our equal participation in society. Our work is grounded in the everyday realities of Roma communities and powered by their leadership.
We believe that when Roma thrive, everyone benefits. Roma culture brings joy, resilience, and richness to our shared humanity.
WHO WE ARE
ERGO Network connects grassroots organisations and activists across Europe. We bring their voices to national and EU-level policymaking, making sure Roma experiences shape the decisions that affect their lives.
We were founded in 2008 by a group of committed NGOs that recognised the challenges facing Roma communities were not being adequately addressed. They joined forces to build a stronger movement, one that centres Roma voices, challenges antigypsyism, and pushes for lasting change.
OUR MISSION
ERGO Network works to achieve equality, dignity and full participation for Roma communities across Europe.
We empower grassroots Roma organisations, influence policy at national and EU level, and engage the public to challenge antigypsyism and promote lasting inclusion.Rooted in local realities and led by Roma voices, we connect movements across borders to fight for justice and build a future where Roma people are free from discrimination, poverty, and exclusion.
WHAT WE DO
EMPOWER
ERGO empowers local grassroots Roma organisations to speak up about challenges and issues, and how they are tackling those. ERGO amplifies these local voices on their communication channels. It’s about spreading the word, making their voices heard and achieving maximum impact.
ENGAGE
ERGO changes the narrative about Roma and engages the public by sharing success stories about strong change makers and showcasing the good about Roma.
INFLUENCE
ERGO influences policy-makers in the global arena by putting Roma fundamental rights and anti-gypsyism on the EU agenda. By displaying these efforts on communication channels, they make sure their actions are seen and heard and achieve maximum impact.
OUR VALUES
Empowering
ERGO amplifies the voice of local grassroots Roma organisations to be heard in the global arena, taking up the role of messenger. The brand encourages Roma to take the lead themselves. It empowers them to fight.
Positive
ERGO firmly believes that equal rights for Roma are possible. That value brings a positive and joyful feel to the brand: if we fight, we can achieve everything we want. It’s a value of optimism and hope to achieve equal rights and to combat antigypsyism.
Humble
The ERGO network is all about sharing the local reality into the global arena, without overshadowing these voices. It’s about respecting the experiences of Roma communities, to be a supportive ally.
OUR VISION
A Europe where Roma people live free from antigypsyism, poverty and exclusion — and where their contributions are seen, valued, and celebrated.
OUR STORY(1995)
ERGO Network was built on the foundations of the Spolu International Foundation. In 1995, Spolu was one of the first European organisation advocating for Roma equality. Over the years, we realised that more organisations in different countries were asking the same thing: a decent life for Roma, free from antigypsyism, poverty and social exclusion. That led to the foundation of ERGO Network in 2008, when we decided to join forces on a European level. The voices of local grassroots organisations grew stronger and real change became possible. Change based on people’s needs, defined by themselves, and realised directly at the policy table.
Today, ERGO Network is the biggest network of Roma and pro-Roma grassroots organisations in Europe. We bring grassroots realities to the policy arena by mobilising and connecting organisations and individuals across borders. We empower our members, engage society and influence policies to advance Roma rights.
But it doesn’t stop there: Equality for Roma also benefits other strongly marginalised groups, as it makes a society more tolerant, inclusive and just. And beyond that, Roma culture brings something invaluable: their resilience, joy, and vibrancy add colour to our shared humanity that’s for everyone to enjoy. When Roma thrive, everybody thrives.