ERGO Network opinion on Multiannual Financial Framework for Roma
Significant shifts are underway as the EU prepares its next long-term budget (2028–2034). Global crises, digital change, and new leadership are shaping priorities, and the European Commission’s recently published Roadmap focuses heavily on competitiveness and efficiency.
However, one crucial issue is missing: Roma inclusion.
Over 6 million Roma live in the EU—80% at risk of poverty, fewer than half in paid work, and 1 in 4 facing daily discrimination. The proposed budget risks cutting or merging key social programs, threatening the fragile progress made so far.
Roma inclusion must be built into the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) from the start to meet the EU’s 2030 goals and uphold the European Pillar of Social Rights.
ERGO Network has outlined clear recommendations to ensure this happens:
Keep rights-based rules: Tie EU funds to real action, including national Roma inclusion strategies.
Protect social funding: Maintain the EU’s Cohesion Policy, which supports education, housing, and health for vulnerable groups.
Keep ESF+ independent: The European Social Fund+ must remain a dedicated tool for fighting poverty and inequality.
Enforce EU values: Countries should not violate basic rights – through racism, discrimination, or abuse.
Support civil society: Roma-led organisations need resources to advocate and build inclusion from the ground up.
Roma Week 2025: Progress on Roma rights can not be left to chance
From 7–10 April 2025, Roma Week returned to Brussels with a clear focus: to push for real change in the lives of Roma people across Europe. Organised by ERGO Network together with Members of the European Parliament, civil society, and other key partners, this year’s edition brought together Roma leaders, experts, EU officials, and activists to speak up about what needs to happen next—especially when it comes to fighting antigypsyism, tackling inequality, and making sure Roma voices are heard where decisions are made.
Held to coincide with International Roma Day, the week’s events aimed to remind EU leaders that commitments alone aren’t enough. It’s time to invest in inclusion, confront antigypsyism, and create real space for Roma people in policymaking, especially women and youth. With sessions hosted inside the European Parliament and across Brussels, participants looked at everything from digital inclusion and Roma history in schools to intersectional discrimination and the need for justice.
What happened during Roma Week 2025?
This year’s Roma Week covered various pressing issues—from inclusion in education and employment to the rise of antigypsyism across Europe. The week opened with a reception with Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, and was hosted by the MEP Krzysztof Smiszek.
At the heart of many discussions was one key message: fighting antigypsyism isn’t just about tackling hate—it’s about securing equal access to housing, jobs, education, and public services. In a panel hosted by the European Commission, experts emphasised the need to build stronger safeguards into EU funding, especially with new legislative frameworks like the Racial Equality Directive under review.
According to Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, “We, the non-Roma people, have to stop and fight discrimination, prejudice against Roma. We also need to support the Roma politically so that they have a voice in political parties, processes, and parliaments. To be the decision-makers.”
The high-level event on Roma history and culture in school curricula, part of the Jekhipe Project, was hosted by Nicolae Ștefănuță, Vice-President, European Parliament and brought together the speakers from the European Commission, Council of Europe, national Ministries and international Roma and pro-Roma organisations. The event promoted the sustainable inclusion of Roma heritage in national education systems by examining lessons learned, showcasing best practices, and discussing policy commitments. The Roma leaders called out the lack of trust in public institutions, pointing to how structural discrimination is still allowed to persist across many Member States.
The Roma Civil Monitoring event highlighted how the findings of the national reports reveal a troubling picture: antigypsyism remains widespread, and national Roma inclusion strategies are failing to deliver. Civil society warned that these strategies risk becoming little more than paper promises without proper oversight and funding tied to anti-discrimination measures.
Roma youth organisations also urged EU leaders to include more young Roma in political decision-making. Mihai Oancea, President of ternYpe, emphasised the potential Roma youth hold. “Roma youth are not just survivors of online hate speech. We are creators, innovators, and leaders. We have the capacity to shape the digital world, just as we have done in every other space we have entered.”
However, this new step is not easy to take without considering and correcting past injustices. The event on achieving transitional justice for Roma brought experts and MEPs together to explore ways to move forward while acknowledging the past.
A powerful event also brought together EU institutions and representatives of Ukrainian Roma and non-Roma authorities. Starting with messages from our member organisation in Ukraine, Chiricli, and other civil society and activist voices, the event continued with giving the floor to the Mayor of Odesa and finally with a touching personal account of a Roma soldier fighting for the safety of Ukraine.
Another vulnerable moment was the film screening, organised by our member from Poland Fundacja Jaw Dikh, London Metropolitan University and ERGO Network. The film THAT BOY: A Conversation About Hate and Healing documented a conversation between two Polish migrants now living in the UK. Toby, a Polish Roma, fled to Britain in the 1990s as an asylum seeker escaping anti-Roma violence from neo-Nazi skinheads. Mirek, a former neo-Nazi, moved to the UK after the EU enlargement and has since undergone a radical transformation, now sharing testimonies about his past as a born-again Christian.
The story of Toby and Mirek offered a powerful lesson on the long-lasting effects of hate and the potential for transformation, reconciliation, and justice. It was followed by a discussion essential for understanding how Europe’s past informs its present and future challenges in combating far-right extremism and antigypsyism.
The following day gave more space to discuss Intersectional Discrimination and Racism Against Racialised Minorities and Roma women’s voices, focusing on political participation and empowerment. Activists, national government, European institution representatives, and MEPs debated how to increase understanding of racialised minorities and women’s experience in politics and analysed the factors that have already enabled some to overcome barriers and enter politics.
Roma Week 2025 finished on a festive note with the EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, organised by the European Union and our member Roma Active Albania. The award highlighted the incredible work and dedication of people and organisations that are active changemakers, and you can learn more about it here.
Throughout the week, civil society demanded stronger participation in EU-level structures, including monitoring and implementing the EU Roma Strategic Framework. Speakers stressed that Roma people must be at the centre of decisions that affect their lives—not just consulted after the fact.
The message we send with the Roma Week 2025 is this: progress on Roma rights can not be left to chance. Across the sessions, Roma voices called for urgent political will, stronger safeguards in the EU’s funding and legislation, and fair representation in all spheres of life. The gap between promises and reality is still wide, but the knowledge, solutions, and voices to close it are already here.
Now, it’s up to policymakers to follow through—not just with words, but with actions.
New Partnership for Digital Inclusion: TAOO Project Gains Momentum During EU Roma Week
Brussels, April 2025 — The Together Against Antigypsyism Online (TAOO) project made waves at this year’s EU Roma Week, emerging as a key initiative in the fight against digital exclusion and online hate speech targeting youth. Held at the European Parliament, the event brought together Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), civil society actors, and youth leaders to discuss pressing issues facing Roma communities in the digital age.
At the heart of the “Digital Futures: Bridging the Divide for Roma Youth” panel, Kadrin Hasanov of Bulgaria’s Integro Association shared insights from the ground. Presenting case studies from Bulgaria, Hasanov outlined how Roma communities grapple with limited access to digital tools, literacy challenges, and discriminatory algorithms. “Without equitable and safe digital environments, Roma youth remain excluded from education, employment, and democratic participation,” he said.
The event drew strong political attention and was organised in collaboration with the ERGO Network and the ternYpe International Roma Youth Network. MEPs Hristo Petrov (Renew Europe, Bulgaria) and Nikos Papandreou (S&D, Greece) co-hosted it and expressed support for long-term solutions to online antigypsyism, signalling potential cooperation between EU institutions and TAOO partners.
Roma Week 2025—one of the EU’s largest annual events on Roma inclusion—served as a powerful platform for the TAOO project. Co-hosted by the European Parliament, European Commission, and civil society groups, the week-long program spotlighted issues from antigypsyism to political representation.
Looking ahead, TAOO partners plan to deepen collaboration with digital rights watchdogs such as Lie Detectors, EDRi, and Equinox.
“This is just the beginning,” said Gabriela Hrabanova of ERGO Network. “We’re building a bridge between Roma communities and EU institutions—one that leads to lasting change.”
In March 2025, some of our members participated in a three-day study visit to Paris hosted by our French member, La Voix des Rroms. The trip provided an opportunity to learn more about our members and other grassroots initiatives, explore the rich cultural heritage of Roma in France, and reflect on the ongoing struggles and resistance of Roma communities.
Remembering and resisting: Médiathèque Matéo Maximoff
The study visit began at the Médiathèque Matéo Maximoff, a cultural institution dedicated to Roma history and literature. Established in 1949 and managed by FNASAT, the library serves as a resource for Roma heritage, holding books, films, vinyl records, and the extensive archives of its namesake, Matéo Maximoff. A pioneering Roma writer, Maximoff documented Roma life and resilience, leaving behind 8,000 photographic slides that continue to inspire new generations.
Participants were moved by stories of the Nazi-era internment of Roma in France, a tragic history marked by forced confinement and discrimination that persisted long after World War II. The visit reinforced the importance of preserving Roma narratives, also as a means of advocating for justice.
Inclusion in action: Les Enfants du Canal
At Le Mesnil, participants engaged with Les Enfants du Canal, an initiative supporting Roma migrants from Romania. Founded in 2007, the organisation provides housing, employment opportunities, and educational workshops. A fixed address is essential in France to access basic rights, and the project has successfully assisted 86 families in securing stable housing and employment.
The visit allowed participants to meet Roma families, witness the living conditions in supported housing, and discuss the integration challenges. Conversations underscored the need for sustainable policies that empower Roma migrants rather than marginalising them.
Roma resistance and activism: La Voix des Rroms
La Voix des Rroms, a key ERGO Network member, has been at the forefront of Roma activism in France. The organisation has championed Roma resistance since 2010, advocating against evictions, mediating with public authorities, and providing legal support. Their small but dedicated team works tirelessly to combat discrimination and promote Roma rights.
During the visit to their office at 6B in Saint-Denis, discussions revolved around the financing of Roma NGOs, the role of young people in activism, and the challenges of maintaining independence from government influence. The dynamic exchange sparked ideas for future collaborations and reinforced the importance of grassroots advocacy.
Honouring the past: A tribute to Raymond Gurême
A particularly emotional moment of the visit was the tribute to Raymond Gurême, a Roma resistance hero who survived Nazi persecution and spent his life fighting against antigypsyism. At Brétigny-sur-Orge, participants laid flowers at the memorial for interned Roma and met Gurême’s family, who welcomed them warmly at their home. Seeing his preserved caravan, where he lived until his passing, was a powerful reminder of the resilience and dignity of Roma communities.
Reflections and moving forward
Beyond the official visits, the group explored Paris, unfolded the Roma flag at the Eiffel Tower, and engaged in deep conversations about the similarities and differences between Roma experiences across Europe. The study visit strengthened our connections and let us better understand not only the realities of Roma in France and the work of La Voix des Rroms but also other European realities.
ERGO Network Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
For centuries, Roma communities across Europe have faced systemic discrimination, marginalisation, and racism. As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, we at ERGO Network reaffirm our commitment to fighting racism in all its forms and advancing justice and equality for Roma and all racialised communities in Europe. This year’s commemoration takes place in a particularly critical context, with far-right movements on the rise, civic space under attack, and racialised communities facing escalating discrimination, criminalisation, and exclusion.
Current challenges
Despite the European Union’s commitments under the EU Anti-Racism Action Plan (EU ARAP), systemic racism remains deeply entrenched across Member States. Roma communities continue to experience widespread antigypsyism, facing barriers in housing, education, employment, and healthcare. At the same time, anti-migrant policies and racialised policing disproportionately impact Black, Muslim, and other racialised communities, reinforcing a hierarchy of oppression that divides rather than unites our struggles.
In these challenging socio-political times, when major global powers compete against each other, racialised minorities often find themselves caught in the crossfire. Human rights issues and anti-racism efforts risk becoming political pawns rather than moral imperatives. This reality underscores why authentic solidarity across communities is not merely beneficial—it is essential.
As ERGO Network Advocacy Officer Isabela Mihalache put it: “I believe our fight for racial justice is not just for the benefit of any single group, but for the dignity and rights of all marginalised communities. Only through coming together, understanding our shared struggles, and working in solidarity can we pave the way for meaningful, lasting change. This is a collective journey towards a world where all racialised people can experience dignity, equality, and the freedom to live without fear or discrimination.”
ERGO Network’s engagement in anti-racism initiatives
This is why ERGO Network is actively engaged in the Anti-Racism and Diversity Week 2025 (ARDW25), a key civil society-led initiative coordinated by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR). ARDW25 is an opportunity to challenge the EU’s inadequate response to systemic racism and push for a bold, intersectional, and decolonial approach to racial justice.
The European elections of 2024 signalled growing political threats to racial justice, with increased securitisation, austerity, and restrictions on civic engagement. Civil society’s role in holding institutions accountable has never been more vital in this context. ARDW25 serves as a platform to demand a transformative EU Anti-Racism Strategy post-2025 that centres the voices of all racialised communities, addresses colonial legacies, treats all forms of racism equally, ensures synergies with specific equality policy frameworks, and establishes sound monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure meaningful policy change, rather than mere performative commitments.
Challenges within civil society
The roundtable discussions highlighted a troubling trend of fragmentation among civil society organisations and advocacy groups. When we compete against each other for resources, visibility, or political favour, we inadvertently reinforce the systems we seek to dismantle.
“Whether it’s Palestine today, Congo tomorrow, or Roma communities the next day—we must lift each other, keeping each other not just in our thoughts but also firmly in our hands,” emphasised Isabela Mihalache.
From words to action
For Roma communities, solidarity cannot remain theoretical. We have experienced firsthand how isolation makes us vulnerable to rights violations and discrimination. Our approach must be practical and sustained:
Create collaborative platforms that bring together diverse voices against racism
Develop unified messaging that resonates across cultural and social boundaries
Organise joint demonstrations that show the strength of our collective resolve
Establish rapid response networks to react swiftly to discrimination incidents
Build relationships daily, not just during designated events or observances
We recognise that vulnerability, when shared, becomes strength. Acknowledging our different but connected struggles creates a foundation for genuine solidarity.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we call upon governments, international institutions, civil society organisations, and individuals to:
Recognise antigypsyism as a specific form of racism affecting Roma communities across Europe
Support intersectional approaches to combating racism that acknowledge multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination
Fund grassroots initiatives that promote cross-community solidarity and cooperation
Ensure that Roma voices lead conversations about their own experiences and solutions
By standing together—not just in our thoughts but in our actions—we can create a Europe where racial discrimination becomes a relic of the past rather than a daily reality for millions. According to Isabela: “It is a unique privilege to work together in this struggle, and we look forward to bringing more voices, more groups, and more perspectives into this vital conversation.”
