Ana Rozanova – Page 4

EQUIP Re-granting to ERGO Network members 2025

Roma equality, inclusion and participation (EQUIP) 2025: Re-granting to ERGO Network members

This year, the ERGO Network can grant its members in three categories. These grants are part of the ERGO Network’s financial support to third parties through its Annual Work Programme ‘Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation 2025’, funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CERV) of the European Commission.

RESEARCH:

Call for applications for small-scale research projects: To support local and national Roma civil society in gathering evidence of challenges Roma faces locally through research activities.

Three projects with budgets up to 4,000 €

NATIONAL COALITIONS:

To support local and national Roma civil society in gathering evidence of challenges Roma face locally through research activities and strengthening the networks.

Six projects with budgets up to 5,000€

CAPACITY-BUILDING, CAMPAIGNING, ADVOCACY (Large grants):

Call for applications for capacity-building, campaigning, and advocacy projects.

Nine projects with budgets up to 10,000€

Eligibility criteria:

– Be a member (full or associate) of the ERGO Network
–Not be a partner in the EU Values project “Roma CSOs promoting EU Values” (ROVA)
– Be established as a Member State of the European Union
– Be a legal entity, a non-profit organisation
– Respect EU values as laid down in Art.2 of the Treaty on European Union and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
– Not be a sub-contractor of ERGO Network
– Adhere to ERGO Network’s safeguarding policy, have their safeguarding policy or agree to start developing a safeguarding policy.

All ERGO Network full member and associate member organisations can apply to more than one of the calls.

The deadline for applications is 15 March at 23:59 CET.

The selection will be made by a team of ERGO Network Secretariat, board members, and one external evaluator.

The implementation period is foreseen for May to November 2025.

If you have any further questions about this application, drop us an email at info@ergonetwork.org.

Roma access to quality, affordable, and inclusive essential and social services

Roma access to quality, affordable, and inclusive essential and social services

Access to essential and social services is a fundamental component and pre-requisite for lifting people out of poverty, combatting material deprivation, and raising work intensity. Europe’s Roma face multiple obstacles in benefitting from good quality, affordable essential and social services despite being among the key groups most needing this support to unlock equal opportunities for themselves and their families.

There are some key opportunities to capitalise on this subject in the next mandate of the European Commission, chiefly the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights and associated initiatives. Revising the Multi-Annual Financial Framework is another opportunity to review support for quality, affordable, accessible, and inclusive service provision. The Mission Letter to Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu lists a call for her to “lead the work on the first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, aimed at helping people to access the essential protections and services they need and addressing the root causes of poverty.” (our underlining).

The work has already begun, with the European Commission releasing a comprehensive and long-awaited report on access to services on 18 June 2023. The report aims to support the delivery of Principle 20 of the European Pillar of Social Rights, which refers to access to essential services such as water, sanitation, energy, banking services, and digital communications. Consultations with civil society are also taking place, and oral and written feedback is being submitted.

This policy paper aims to review the aforementioned European Commission report from a Roma inclusion perspective, as well as to formulate policy recommendations that concern access to both essential and social services for one of Europe’s most vulnerable communities. It is also part of ERGO Network’s advocacy in the framework of our efforts to ensure that the upcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy does not leave the Roma behind. We have consistently advocated for more and better access to services, including digital services, for the Roma as a fundamental pre-requisite to thrive, achieve equality, and participate in society and the labour market.

Last but not least, we hope to see full synergies between the Union of Equality and its composing strategies, including the EU Strategic Framework for Roma Equality, Inclusion, and Participation, and key mainstream processes such as the European Semester and the initiatives it monitors.

=> Read the policy paper here!

For ERGO Network’s engagement with access to social and essential services, please contact Senior Policy Adviser Amana Ferro: a.ferro@ergonetwork.org

Human Rights Day – A call for transitional & reparative justice for Roma

Written by: Stelina Dungaj, ERGO Network

Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10th, serves a reminder of our shared commitment to upholding freedom, security, peace and justice, rights which are, unfortunately, unattainable for many, including the Roma community – the largest minority group in Europe. Roma communities have long endured discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion.

For centuries, they have fought against systemic racism and forced assimilation, with the scars of historical injustices still visible today. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles of the Roma and the importance of addressing both past wrongs and ongoing inequalities.

The historical injustices faced by Roma, including forced sterilisation, the Roma Genocide, and the systemic discrimination they faced during the Holocaust, continue to have a profound impact on their lives. This legacy of oppression has left deep wounds that are perpetuated by modern-day antigypsyism—a pervasive form of racism that still shapes the experiences of Roma across Europe.

Today, Roma NGOs and advocates call for transitional justice—a process that acknowledges past wrongs and helps to heal the trauma caused by centuries of systemic racism, in an effort to seek reparations, recognition of historical injustices, and the dismantling of the structural barriers that continue to hinder their social and economic inclusion.

The need for transitional justice is not only about rectifying the past; it is about addressing present-day discrimination that continues to affect Roma communities. Many Roma continue to face obstacles in accessing education, healthcare, housing, and employment, and are disproportionately affected by poverty and social exclusion. These ongoing injustices are deeply linked to the systemic racism that traces back to centuries of antigypsyism, which remain entrenched in various societal structures.

To effectively address the multifaceted issues faced by Roma communities, particularly the specific forms of racism they endure, a comprehensive and proactive approach is required. One critical step to address historical injustices is through education. This includes the integration of Roma history, culture and language into school curricula at all levels of education.

This would help foster empathy, understanding and respect for the Roma people, thus breaking the cycle of discrimination that perpetuates exclusion. Educating the broader population about the historical and contemporary struggles of the Roma is a crucial step toward building a more inclusive society.

Additionally, empowering Roma individuals to take leadership roles in various sectors is essential for ensuring that their voices heard, and concerns are addressed. By ensuring Roma representation in all leadership positions, in government, education or inter-governmental organisations, it would bring invaluable perspectives of the lived experiences of the communities, necessary to create more informed and culturally sensitive policies. Furthermore, such representation serves as a powerful symbol of equality and empowerment, showing that Roma can thrive in leadership roles and that their contributions are vital to the growth and success of society.

However, Roma inclusion requires more than just representation; it requires the active dismantling of the structures of racism and exclusion that have persisted for centuries. Antigypsyism is a complex and deeply entrenched form of racism that operates both institutionally and socially, creating barriers to Roma’s full participation in society. This form of racism does not only manifest in individual prejudices but is also embedded in societal systems, from the police force to education and employment.

Combating antigypsyism requires a comprehensive and proactive approach that addresses both the historical and contemporary dimensions of this issue. Transitional justice for Roma must involve more than symbolic recognition; it requires concrete measures to address the ongoing impacts of historical trauma. This includes not only educational reforms and leadership opportunities but also reparative justice initiatives that directly address the social and economic inequalities Roma face.

Roma communities need support in overcoming the barriers to full participation in society—barriers that stem from the discrimination and violence of the past but are sustained by the pervasive stereotypes and systemic racism that continue today.

For this reason, on December 10^th, 2024, ERGO Network has officially launched the European Working Group on Antigypsyism and Transitional Justice for Roma. This event has brought together policymakers, experts, and Roma leaders from across Europe to discuss critical issues facing Roma communities and to advance the cause of transitional justice.

The aim of the Working Group is to provide a platform for political advocacy and strategic development, focusing on creating frameworks for transitional justice mechanisms at both national and EU levels. Through this collective action, the Working Group seeks to transform the way Roma communities are treated, advocating for a future where their rights, dignity, and history are fully recognised and respected.

The importance of this initiative was underscored by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, who expressed strong support for the Working Group during his speech on Human Rights Day. He highlighted the persistent and widespread human rights abuses faced by Roma communities and emphasised the need to confront the past while addressing ongoing injustices.

Stressing that antigypsyism remains pervasive today, O’Flaherty called attention to the collective responsibility of non-Roma communities in perpetuating prejudices and urged for localised, country-specific approaches to transitional justice. He commended the Working Group’s mission and focus on justice and redress, calling for sustained efforts to uphold the dignity and rights of Roma people.

Thus, for the Roma community, this day it is not only a moment to reflect on the past but also a call for action – a moment to acknowledge the enduring impact of historical injustices and the pervasive influence of antigypsyism. The fight for Roma justice is a fight for human rights and equality.

It is a call to break the cycles of exclusion, discrimination, and violence that have persisted for centuries. The struggle for Roma inclusion must be an integral part of the broader fight for human rights everywhere. Addressing the challenges faced by Roma communities requires a multifaceted approach that combines historical recognition, inclusive education, systemic reform, and empowerment.

Only by working together—governments, civil society, international organisations, and Roma themselves—can we create a world where no one is left behind, and human rights are truly universal. Today, let us commit to ensuring that the fight for justice and equality for Roma becomes a central part of the broader movement for human rights and social justice around the world.

Click here to see the video message from Michael O’ Flaherty, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe for the Launch of the European Working Group on Antigypsyism and Transitional Justice for Roma

Research report on Roma access to decent and sustainable employment

ERGO Network launches its research report on Roma access to decent and sustainable employment

The European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network held its annual Policy Conference on 25 November, entitled “Implementing the EU Roma Strategic Framework. Roma access to decent and sustainable employment.”

The Roma are more likely to experience discrimination in recruitment and in the workplace, to be paid less, to be offered precarious contracts, to be overlooked for promotions or learning opportunities, or to be given dangerous or unsuitable tasks. While overrepresented in unsustainable and exploitative forms of employment, the Roma are also underrepresented in trade union structures. Additionally, many Roma earn their livelihood from atypical or seasonal forms of work, which are not covered by adequate labour protection legislation and do not provide for employment rights and social security. Job creation efforts are not enough to provide the Roma with quality and secure jobs, and the great potential of social entrepreneurship is insufficiently supported.

The EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion, and Participation 2020 – 2030 includes, as one of its four sectoral objectives, “Increase effective equal access to quality and sustainable employment” by 2030, while the Council Recommendation on Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation features a comprehensive section calling on Member States to “promote effective equal access for Roma, in particular young Roma, to quality and sustainable employment”. Access to quality and sustainable employment is extensively covered by the European Pillar of Social Rights (Social Pillar), chiefly in its Principles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, while decent work is Goal 8 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During 2024, ERGO Network conducted in-depth national case studies in six countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain), looking at the realities of Roma employment and access to the labour market and the key barriers the Roma face when trying to access quality and sustainable jobs in these countries. Our members in Ireland provided additional benchmarking evidence. The main findings and recommendations were brought together in an EU synthesis report launched in the framework of the above-mentioned event.

Key messages of the synthesis report:

A majority of Roma are not in paid work, at least not in the formal economy, nor are they adequately supported to enter the labour market. Urgent and significant investment is needed into integrated, personalised Active Inclusion approaches, combining income support with enabling services and Public Employment Services to have the necessary resources, staff, and training.
The Roma who work are in poor-quality jobs with low pay, insecure contracts, unsafe working conditions, no access to training, and almost no trade union coverage. Countries need to develop and implement a comprehensive definition of job quality, covering all the aspects mentioned above, and ensure that it applies to all jobs, all sectors, and all workers. They also need to support and strengthen trade unions and collective bargaining.
Antigypsyism is pervasive in recruitment as well as in the workplace. Much stronger anti-discrimination legislation is needed, coupled with effective implementation mechanisms and monitoring, anti-bias training for employers and recruiters, and broad campaigns to combat antigypsyism in society at large.
Pushed to the margins of the labour market, the Roma make ends meet through the informal economy, pursuing traditional crafts, or seeking work abroad.Combating undeclared work needs to be done by regularising sectors and penalising rogue employers instead of poor workers; broader support schemes for self-employment and more protection for mobile workers are needed to prevent exploitation.
Job creation efforts that would benefit the Roma are scarce – and while the social economy holds great potential for Roma employment, it is currently underutilised. More public investment is needed in locally accessible, community-rooted quality jobs, as well as supportive legislation and improved access to funding for social enterprises as a key tool for Roma employment, including the promotion of Roma social entrepreneurship.
Participation of Roma communities and their civil society organisations is paramount in co-creating sustainable ways forward. Policymakers and labour market actors must cooperate closely with Roma stakeholders and their civil society representatives to ensure evidence-based solutions, support disaggregated data collection, foster common understanding, and bridge cultural gaps.

With this research, we aim to kick-start a debate with policy makers on improving the availability, accessibility, quality, sustainability, and inclusiveness of employment for Europe’s Roma.

Read the EU synthesis report here!
Read the national case studies: Bulgaria – Czech Republic – Hungary – Romania – Slovakia – Spain.
Read the additional benchmarking evidence: Ireland

For more information about ERGO Network’s work on Roma access to decent and sustainable employment, please contact Senior Policy Adviser Amana Ferro.

Register for Webinar on Antigypsyism

Register for the Webinar on Antigypsyism:

Power of defining antigypsyism: Does a definition impact how we fight antigypsyism nationally?

Date: 3rd December, 2024
Time: 14h40 – 16h30
Format: Online

Background and Context

Antigypsyism remains a significant and deeply rooted issue across Europe, affecting the lives of millions within the Roma communities. Despite various legal frameworks, policies, and commitments from national and European institutions, implementing impactful, coordinated actions is still lacking. The challenge lies in the sustained, institutional commitment to address and eliminate antigypsyism in all its forms effectively.

This webinar aims to bring together key actors – from European and national institutions to civil society organisations – to explore actionable strategies that institutionalise the fight against antigypsyism. With contributions from prominent organisations like ECRI (European Commission against Racism and Intolerance), IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance), the Czech Governmental Commissioner for Roma Affairs or MIA agency, and Equinet, the webinar will spotlight how institutional actions can meaningfully impact Roma communities. The event will empower civil society actors to engage actively through a participatory approach, fostering dialogue and promoting actionable outcomes.

Objectives

The primary objective of the webinar is to facilitate meaningful dialogue on the institutional and societal roles necessary to tackle antigypsyism in Europe. Key objectives include:

Key Points for Emphasis

Strengthen Policy Frameworks for Member States

This session will explore how member states can utilise European frameworks, such as the EU Roma Strategic Framework, to institutionalise antigypsyism responses. By showcasing effective policies, tools, and legal frameworks, the webinar aims to create a blueprint to support policymakers and advocate for harmonising efforts. Speakers will examine gaps in current policies and share actionable recommendations to strengthen implementation across various European contexts, including the actions for civil society at the national and local levels.

Encourage National Advocacy Efforts

For meaningful change, it is crucial to empower civil society organisations at the national level, enabling them to advocate effectively within their local contexts. This session will focus on how organisations can engage with national policymakers and push for institutional support to fight antigypsyism. Practical advocacy techniques, successful case studies, and resources for collaboration with governmental and institutional bodies will be shared, inspiring civil society actors to pursue sustained, evidence-based advocacy.

Agenda

14:40 Welcoming participants and introduction

14:45 Keynote Address: Setting the Scene on approaches to define Antigypsyism in Europe

Gabriela Hrabanova, Director ERGO Network
Stelina Dungaj, ERGO Network

14:50 Panel Discussion 1: Institutional Roles and Responsibilities

Lucie Horvathova, The Czech Governmental Commissioner for Roma Affairs
Robert Rustem, European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), Council of Europe
Mustafa Jakupov, Melde- und Informationsstelle Antiziganismus (MIA)
Daris José Lewis Recio, European Network of Equality Bodies (EQUINET)

15:30 Panel Discussion 2: Reflection of effective advocacy approaches at the national level

Senada Sali, European Roma Rights Centre
Zuzana Havirová, Roma Advocacy and Research Centre, Slovakia

16:00 Interactive Session: Q&A with Civil Society

16:15 Closing

Expected outcomes:

Increased understanding of institutional roles in combating antigypsyism.
Identification of gaps in policy frameworks and suggestions for strengthening them.
Practical strategies for civil society to advocate for institutionalised responses to antigypsyism at the national level.
A collaborative framework for ongoing engagement among European institutions, national bodies, and civil society.