Roma exclusion hurts economies in the region, and this will only get worse due to the pandemic and demographic trends. Governments can reverse this trajectory—if they choose to invest in Roma.
In the short term, investing in Roma would be politically challenging and require strategic public communication, but it is the only choice for undercutting the extreme right and producing economic returns. Smart investments would help lift up Roma communities—as well as the Western Balkan countries.
This report was originally published on opensocietyfoundations.org.
Author(s)
Roma Foundation for Europe
Share this article
The latest
Read about our work and the issues we are addressing.
Press
Serbia Must Amend Missing Persons Alert System to Protect Vulnerable Adults
— 24 February 2026
The Roma Foundation for Europe calls for immediate regulatory changes following the death of 19-year-old Manuel Amet.
Read moreThe Roma Foundation for Europe calls for immediate regulatory changes following the death of 19-year-old Manuel Amet.
Press
Constitutional Review of the Šutar Law Confirms Serious Rule-of-Law Concerns
— 23 February 2026
The Roma Foundation for Europe has repeatedly warned that Slovenia's Šutar Law risks undermining constitutional guarantees and fundamental rights. Intervention by the Human Rights Ombudsman now brings those concerns before the Constitutional Court.
Read moreThe Roma Foundation for Europe has repeatedly warned that Slovenia's Šutar Law risks undermining constitutional guarantees and fundamental rights. Intervention by the Human Rights Ombudsman now brings those concerns before the Constitutional Court.
Events
Europe’s Growth Depends on Roma Talent
— 18 February 2026
At “The Roma Factor” in Brussels, leaders discussed how investment in the Roma can help sustain growth and solve Europe’s workforce shortages.
Read moreAt “The Roma Factor” in Brussels, leaders discussed how investment in the Roma can help sustain growth and solve Europe’s workforce shortages.
Browse by category
Campaigns
We are on the ground with our network to bring Roma power where it matters.
Events
Information about events from the Roma Foundation for Europe and its network members.
Facts
Briefings, explainers and analyses that explain and highlight complex issues.
Press
Media coverage of our work, press releases and information for journalists.
Voices
Perspectives, experiences and narratives from the community.
Contact us
For media inquiries:
[email protected]Offices
BrusselsBerlinBucharestBelgradeSkopje
Sign up for news
Sign up here so you don’t miss out on campaign updates, upcoming events and other news from the Roma Foundation for Europe and our network.
Sign up for our newsletter