Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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.”

We are hiring Finance Manager

Position: Finance Manager

ERGO Network is hiring a new Finance Manager to join its team in Brussels.

ERGO Network

ERGO Network (www.ergonetwork.org) brings together over 30 members from across Europe and supports organisations with a common perspective on Roma grassroots empowerment and equal citizenship to challenge stereotypes and combat stigmatisation. We mobilise and connect organisations and individuals that share and express our values – active citizenship, shared responsibility, and passion- to strengthen Roma civil society’s involvement in decision-making at local, national, and European levels and address existing shortcomings of policies targeted at Roma.

Responsibilities

Financial management :

Checking incoming invoices for correctness and liaising with Senior Programme Manager for approval and analytical codes.
Recording and bookkeeping of outgoing and incoming invoices into the system (accountancy software) using analytical departments.
Arranging payments upon approval of the Director.
Arranging travel reimbursements for staff and event participants.
Managing the cashbox.
Preparing contracts and outgoing invoices based on instructions from the Director and Senior Programme Manager and following up on payment of invoices.
Quarterly expenditure and income reporting and financial forecasts to Director, Senior Programme Manager and Treasurer of the Board.
Preparation of financial documents for presentation to the Board, General Assembly and for the annual report.
Financial reporting to donors in cooperation with the Senior Programme Manager.
Contribution to the preparation of the annual budget.
Timely preparation of audits and liaising with external auditors for project and statutory audits.
Fulfilling obligations for the Belgian VAT and tax administration.
Liaising with the bank (KBC Brussels).

Human resources:

Liaising with the Belgian payroll company (Partena), including sending monthly staff presence report to the payroll company.
Preparing employment contracts in correspondence with Belgian law.
Be the first contact point for staff for obligations/rights regarding Belgian labour law and introduce new staff members to relevant Belgian rules and regulations.
Preparing Dimona identification “fiches” for new members of the staff.
Liaising with the company responsible for medical checks (Mensura).
Liaising with the insurance companies.
Order luncheon vouchers on a monthly basis according to presence.
Arrange for work permits when needed by staff from outside the EU.

Profile

Essential:

Experience in bookkeeping, accounting and budget management
Experience in financial planning and analysis
Experience in Belgian payroll management
Excellent knowledge of Belgian regulations related to financial and human resources management
Excellent command of English and French
Ability to work independently and at the same time coordinate regularly with the ERGO team and member organisations
Good eye for and attention to detail

Desirable:

Experience working in the NGO sector
Experience with EU grants
Experience working in a multicultural environment
Understanding of racism

Conditions:

Undetermined contract on 80% basis (4 days a week or 5 days with 6 hours per day)
Work location: Brussels (at least 2 days a week presence in the office)
Starting date: As soon as possible

We offer:

Salary between 3800 and 4500 € per month based on experience
13th-month salary
Holiday allowance
Luncheon vouchers (8€ per working day)
Transport allowance (49€ per month)
Telework allowance (129€)
DKV hospitalisation insurance
Additional 7 days of holidays per year
An organisation committed to values of democracy, fairness, integrity and sustainability.
A friendly and respectful work environment.

Application procedure

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the application form to admin@ergonetwork.org by 4 May 2025, 23:59 CET, indicating in the subject of the email “Application Finance Manager”. This email address can also be used for further information and questions. It is not necessary to submit a CV or motivation letter in addition to the application form.

open the application form

Successful candidates will be invited for interviews in the week of 12 May 2025. Interviews can be taken in person or online. We are not able to reimburse travel costs to attend the interview.

ERGO is an equal opportunities employer. We respect our employees’ private lives, including where they take care roles. We strive to be an inclusive organisation and encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.

REVISE AND ADVOCATE FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NATIONAL ROMA INTEGRATION STRATEGY

This is an article presenting the project prepared by RomanoNet, Czechia, given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU

The “Revise and Advocate for Improvements to the National Roma Integration Strategy” (NRIS) project, coordinated by RomanoNet, was a successful initiative conducted through a comprehensive and inclusive approach. It involved structured monthly meetings, ad-hoc working groups, and stakeholder consultations aimed at gathering input and refining the NRIS, with a strong emphasis on Roma inclusion and combating antigypsyism. Key activities included the development of policy briefs, targeted consultations, and strategic events that actively engaged Roma communities, civil society organisations, and policymakers at all levels.

The project focused on evidence-based revisions of the National Roma Integration Strategy (NRIS) through a series of dedicated round tables. These meetings tackled key areas of the strategy, including education, employment, housing, health, and the fight against antigypsyism. Each round table brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, ensuring that the revised strategy truly reflected the real needs and priorities of Roma communities. The report was written together with a government office.

The culmination of these efforts was the celebration of Roma Day on 17 December 2024, organised in partnership with the Office of the Roma Commissioner. This event provided a platform to present the updated strategy components and officially launch the Charter Against Antigypsyism, reinforcing a collective commitment to combating discrimination and advancing Roma inclusion.

Significant Accomplishments

One of the significant accomplishments of the project was the comprehensive revision of all major chapters of the National Roma Integration Strategy (NRIS). The project had a strong advocacy impact, as recommendations were presented to policymakers to strengthen the NRIS. A key focus was on tackling antigypsyism and enhancing Roma inclusion, ensuring that these critical issues were recognised and addressed at a strategic level.

Stakeholder engagement played a crucial role in the project’s success. By facilitating active participation from a diverse range of stakeholders, the initiative encouraged cross-sector collaboration, bringing together policymakers, civil society organisations, and Roma representatives.

A major milestone was the celebration of Roma Day, during which the Charter Against Antigypsyism was launched. The project prioritised capacity building within the Roma civil society. A series of workshops, consultations, and policy discussions were organised, equipping Roma organisations and activists with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate. RomanoNet ensured that advocacy efforts will continue, promoting policy changes based on the revised NRIS and Roma Day initiatives. By building on these achievements, RomanoNet aims to drive lasting change and strengthen Roma inclusion in Czechia.

For more information in Czech, click the buttons below.

I. Předkládací zpráva

II. návrh usnesení.

III. Revidovaná Strategie rovnosti, začlenění a participace Romů (Strategie romské integrace) 2021–2030

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

Culture in the Slums

This is an article presenting the project prepared by Nevo Parudimos, Romania, given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU

Roma communities continue to face persistent challenges of social exclusion, discrimination, and limited access to primary services. In Reșița and its surrounding areas, these struggles remain visible in daily life, from barriers to employment and education to inadequate housing and systemic neglect. In response, Nevo Parudimos conducted a series of advocacy and community engagement activities to address these pressing issues. The initiative included three community meetings, consultations with local authorities, and cultural events promoting intercultural understanding.

Strengthening Communities

In May, community meetings were organised in Muncitoresc, Dealu Mare, and Calnic, providing a space for Roma residents to discuss their concerns. The community has been facing several challenges, including a lack of access to water, and despite promises from the municipality, there are still no housing documents. Young people are struggling to find work, and although NGOs and the municipality have collected information from residents and promised projects, nothing has moved forward.

The children are not able to attend school due to its distance, and the school mediator has shown no interest as he/she is not visiting children in the communities. These conditions will possibly improve once the nearby school, currently under renovation, is completed. On top of it, the family doctor sometimes refuses treatment because people don’t have legal insurance, and when the spring floods threatened the area, the municipality didn’t take any action.

To address these issues, Nevo Parudimos arranged a meeting with the water company to sort out the water supply and planned a meeting with the municipality to address the problems their community is facing. They aim to ensure these issues are included in the local Roma action plan. Furthermore, they intend to make everyone informed about any job opportunities and to make sure that mediators are present in the lives of children in their communities.

Municipality Meeting – Building a Better Community Together

During their visit to the municipality, Nevo Parudimos reviewed the local action plan for Roma in Reșița alongside community representatives, civil society, and public institutions, as well as the mayor and deputy mayor. Updates on various projects were provided by the Local Action Group (LAG). All projects were completed by the end of 2024, except for social housing initiatives, which are expected to be finalised in 2025.

Representatives from civil society organisations, including Pro Vitam, Nevo Parudimos, and Humanitas Pro Deo, called on the municipality to pressure the water and public transport companies to ensure all citizens have reliable access to water and essential services.

Culture in the Slums

The municipality and community meetings, along with the Ethnicities Festival, represent the main efforts to improve the lives of Roma communities in Reșița. While meetings focused on concrete policy discussions, the festival used culture as a powerful tool for advocacy and change. By engaging with local authorities, civil society, and public institutions, Nevo Parudimos and its partners worked to ensure that Roma voices were heard in decision-making processes.

The festival provided a platform to celebrate Roma identity, challenge stereotypes, and foster a sense of unity. The Ethnicities Festival was held last year under the theme “Culture in the Slum,” in Banat.

Hosted in the Măgura neighbourhood of Bocșa and along Calea Caransebeșului în Reșița, the festival was organised by the Nevo Parudimos Association, in collaboration with the Caraș-Severin County Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture, the city halls of Reșița and Bocșa, and the Caraș-Severin County Council.

The event was dedicated to Roma culture, showcasing a vibrant set of folklore representing the diverse ethnic groups that are living in the Banat region. Part of the “Culture in the Slum” project, the festival was funded by the European Commission through the ERGO Network to highlight the real issues faced by Roma communities in Reșița, bringing them to the attention of local authorities. Its goal was also to shift the general perception of the Roma community, using culture to showcase the unique aspects of the Roma minority.

Article about The Festival

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

Breaking the Cycle: Roma Families Trapped in Multidimensional Poverty

This is an article presenting the research prepared by Integro Association, Bulgaria, given the subgrants under the ERGO sub-granting scheme 2024, funded by the EU

For many Roma families in Bulgaria, poverty is not just about the lack of income—it is a web of deprivation that extends into education, healthcare, housing, and employment. A new research report by Liliya Makaveeva, an ERGO Network member in Bulgaria Integro Association, based on case studies from ten municipalities, reveals the stark reality of multidimensional poverty among Roma communities and calls for urgent, integrated policy solutions.

The study, conducted between March and July 2024, combines in-depth interviews with Roma families, local mediators, and municipal representatives with statistical data from the Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) 2023. The findings paint a grim picture: 65% of Roma in Bulgaria live below the poverty line, compared to 14.3% of ethnic Bulgarians. However, income alone does not explain the depth of hardship Roma communities face.

This project was implemented using a grant from 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.

Read the full report here

More Than Just Money: The Poverty Trap

The research highlights that poverty among Roma is multidimensional—it encompasses poor housing conditions, exclusion from social services, lack of access to quality healthcare, and systemic discrimination in education and employment. While many families rely on social benefits, the support is minimal and often comes with strict conditions that fail to reflect the reality of their struggles.

For example, children from low-income Roma families are regularly sanctioned with reduced social assistance when they miss school, even if absences are due to extreme poverty—such as lacking shoes or winter coats. A 36-year-old mother from Novi Pazar explains: “My daughter missed school because she had no coat. When I finally got a loan to buy one, it was too late—they had already cut our benefits.” Instead of helping families escape poverty, punitive measures further entrench their exclusion.

Housing Without Security, Healthcare Without Access

The lack of legal housing status exacerbates the crisis. Many Roma settlements exist outside regulated urban areas, meaning residents have no formal ownership and cannot access basic utilities such as running water or waste collection. The consequences are dire: entire neighbourhoods rely on makeshift water sources, and open sewage drains pose severe health risks.

Healthcare access is another major challenge. Many Roma lack health insurance due to irregular employment or the inability to pay past contributions, leaving them unable to see a doctor. Even those with insurance face discrimination in medical facilities. The study documents cases where hospitals refuse to acknowledge severe disabilities, preventing individuals from accessing state support. One man with a colostomy was repeatedly denied disability certification, trapping him in a cycle of poverty and medical neglect.

Employment Barriers and Generational Poverty

Employment services are failing Roma communities. The report finds that while many Roma are registered with Employment Offices, they rarely receive job offers, training opportunities, or meaningful career support. Many Roma rely on precarious, informal jobs with no contracts or security.

Even when work is available, discrimination remains a significant barrier. Employers frequently reject Roma applicants or impose unnecessary education requirements for low-skilled jobs. Women, particularly mothers, face additional barriers due to the lack of childcare options and rigid work schedules.

Urgent Call for Change

The report concludes that Bulgaria’s current social policies are not only failing to alleviate Roma poverty—they are actively reinforcing it. The study’s authors call for a radical shift:

Tailored, long-term support instead of punitive sanctions
Legalising and improving housing conditions in Roma settlements
Ensuring universal healthcare access, regardless of insurance status
Combating labour market discrimination and providing real employment pathways
Creating integrated social services that address the multiple dimensions of poverty

Poverty in Roma communities is not a personal failure—it is a systemic issue. Without immediate policy changes, the cycle of deprivation will continue for generations. As the report clarifies, breaking this cycle requires more than financial aid; it demands a fundamental shift in how Bulgaria approaches social justice and equality for all its citizens.

Read the full report here

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