Advocacy for reducing discrimination against the Roma population from Romania in accessing the health services
This is an article presenting the project prepared bySastipen – Roma Center for Health Policies, Hungary, given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU
Roma people across Romania still face unequal treatment in healthcare settings, despite legislation protecting against discrimination. Through this project, Sastipen aimed to strengthen its long-standing advocacy work, to ensure that medical professionals and policymakers take anti-discrimination and antigypsyism laws seriously and apply them in practice, not just on paper.
Building Awareness Among Health Workers
A key part of the project involved training health professionals on the front lines of patient care. Two online seminars brought together 54 participants, including community nurses, health mediators, and medical assistants. These sessions focused on human rights, non-discrimination, and the harmful impact of bias in medical settings. Guest speakers, including experts from ERGO Network and the National Agency for Roma, helped to frame the issue and encouraged open discussion that made the meeting very impactful.
The second phase of the project involved direct engagement with national and local health authorities. In partnership with the National Institute of Public Health, Sastipen hosted a two-day training with 32 officials from the Ministry of Health and County Public Health Directorates. Participants reviewed case studies and collaborated to draft a working procedure aimed at preventing discrimination within public health units.
This procedure was further refined during a follow-up online workshop with 28 key stakeholders, including ministry representatives, hospital managers, and family doctors. By the end of the session, the document was finalised and submitted to the Ministry of Health.
Between July and October 2024, the team launched an advocacy campaign aimed at incorporating the non-discrimination procedure into national practice. High-level meetings with the Minister of Health and key officials led to a huge and successful breakthrough: the Ministry formally recognised Sastipen as a partner in managing the national health mediation programme, a first in Romania!
Sastipen also built a coalition with Roma and pro-Roma organisations across the country. A formal partnership was signed with the Roma Party ProEuropa to coordinate future action and monitor cases of discrimination.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the project, a working anti-discrimination procedure was developed, partnerships were created, and a new chapter of cooperation with health authorities had begun. The hope is that this model of collaboration, driven by grassroots expertise and formal recognition, can be replicated in other areas of Roma inclusion policy.
If you have any further questions about this application, drop us an email at info@ergonetwork.org.
Strengthening Roma Civic Participation in Developing of Roma Social Policies
This is an article presenting the project prepared by Autonamia Foundation, Hungary, given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU
On 15 November 2024, representatives from civil society organisations and government officials from across Europe gathered in Budapest for a meeting focused on strengthening national Roma strategies. Organised by Autonomia and supported by ERGO and partner CSOs, the event aimed to promote practical collaboration between governments and grassroots actors working on Roma inclusion.
During the event, actionable and transparent strategies to address long-standing challenges were created. But just as importantly, it provided a much-needed space to listen, learn, and understand one another’s perspectives more deeply.
Working Together
Preparation began in May 2024. Each country team was composed of both CSO and government representatives. Twelve participants attended, with all invited countries represented except the Czech Republic. The meeting included guest speakers such as the representative of the Roma unit from DG JUST and Gabriela Hrabanová, executive director of ERGO Network. The representative of the Roma unit delivered the feedback, offering insights into the EU’s expectations for national Roma strategies and highlighting the importance of inclusive dialogue throughout the planning, implementation, and monitoring phases.
Country teams presented on three key topics:
Updates to national Roma strategies.
Consultation processes between governments and civil society.
The role of Roma NGOs in monitoring progress.
Participants discussed examples and explored the principles of effective civil society and government cooperation. These conversations helped to draft the declaration, which the participating CSOs endorsed. A professional video team was on-site, offering participants a chance to record short, self-promotional clips. Six participants took part, producing one-minute videos. The videos hold powerful and impressive messages that can now be used for outreach and awareness. All these initiatives serve as a promising starting point for future advocacy.
Looking Ahead
The event delivered several clear achievements. It provided a safe space for open discussion, allowing participants to engage meaningfully with one another. This multi-stakeholder approach, which brought together national representatives and civil society actors from multiple countries, created a valuable foundation for sustained exchange and mutual learning. A joint declaration was also drafted, laying a solid base for continued advocacy and collaboration.
ERGO now holds valuable materials from the event to support its future efforts, while Autonomia is expected to build on this momentum in its ongoing work with the Hungarian government. The event demonstrated that although collaboration between governments and civil society can be complex, it is both possible and essential, particularly when it comes to ensuring that national Roma strategies are not merely theoretical documents but are actively implemented and grounded in lived realities.
If you have any further questions about this application, drop us an email at info@ergonetwork.org.
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.
Call for Solidarity Corps volunteer in ERGO Network
ERGO Network is looking for one enthusiastic and active young Romawho would like to join our office team in Brussels for 8 months in theframework of the European Solidarity Corps.
When: 1 volunteer from September 2025 – April 2026 (8 months)
Where: ERGO Network office in Brussels, Belgium
Who: Young Roma professionals between 18 and 30
How much: Monthly allowance of 1200 Euro
Deadline for applications: 30th May 2025
During your time in ERGO Network, you will learn about international advocacy, help us organise international meetings and events and get actively involved in Roma activism and international Roma networks in Brussels.
Because our organisation aims to nurture a new generation of Roma activists, we are looking for a young Roma person to stay with us until the end of April 2026.
Your tasks will be defined together with you depending on your interests and skills, but can include:
Youth participation and non-formal education: Representation of ERGO Network in Roma youth events, facilitation of workshops and seminars.
Advocacy and policy: Support ERGO staff in EU advocacy work on social policies and anti-discrimination policies; attend debates, hearings and meetings with other stakeholders to challenge stereotypes and racism, build partnerships with Roma and non-Roma organisations from Belgium and other European countries.
Meetings and events: Assist in the organisation of the International Roma Day 2025 in Brussels and the EU Roma Week 2025, contribute to the organisation of meetings, conferences, events and international seminars of ERGO Network and its partners.
Your profile:
Young Roma between 18 and 30 years from an EU Member State
Good English language skills, both oral and written (At least level B1)
Computer literacy (experience with Microsoft office package and social media)
High motivation to learn more about Roma activism and advocacy work and to contribute to a small but very active European NGO
Previous involvement in Roma or (pro) Roma NGOs will be considered an advantage
Reliable, well-organised, and with attention to detail
You will work 30 hours per week (including an online language course if desired). Working hours will be from Monday to Friday between 9:00 – 15:00. However, working hours can be adapted to your needs and the activities you will be involved in.
We aim to support young people who are enthusiastic about our cause and want to gain experience that can be later transferred to national or local NGOs. We especially welcome applications from people who are motivated to challenge stereotypes, antigypsyism and racism, and who show an open attitude for a unique learning and life experience, as well as a volunteer spirit of creativity, initiative, responsibility and independence.
We offer:
An allowance of 1200 Euro that includes money for accommodation, meals, local transport, language course, and pocket money
Travel costs to Brussels
Health insurance for the whole year (offered through the ESC scheme, in addition to the EHIC card of your country)
On-arrival and mid-term training with other Solidarity Corps volunteers, and lots of learning and development opportunities with ERGO Network and our partners
Access to an online French course offered to European Solidarity Corps volunteers
An exciting and unforgettable experience, working for a multicultural international organisation in the capital of Europe!
How to apply:
Please send your motivation letter (1 page) and CV (max 2 pages) by 30th May 2025 by e-mail to: m.horvathova@ergonetwork.org.
We will interview shortlisted candidates in the week of 23rd June and will make our decision by the end of June at the latest.
Before coming to Brussels, we will support you in finding accommodation and help you get ready for your time with us.
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information at m.horvathova@ergonetwork.org.Please also feel free to contact our current volunteer Stelina Dungaj (s.dungaj@ergonetwork.org) for any questions you would like to ask from future to current volunteer 😊.
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.
