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.
Voices
The Sovereignty Trap
— 22 February 2025
The far right condemn Brussels but embrace American billionaires, Russian disinformation and Chinese funding. Are they really defending sovereignty—or just handing it over to foreign powers that serve their interests?
Read moreThe far right condemn Brussels but embrace American billionaires, Russian disinformation and Chinese funding. Are they really defending sovereignty—or just handing it over to foreign powers that serve their interests?
Press
Roma Foundation for Europe Condemns Attacks Against Civil Rights Activists in Romania and Calls for Urgent Action Ahead of Romanian Elections
— 21 February 2025
The Roma Foundation for Europe, a leading European advocate for Roma rights, strongly condemns the recent wave of attacks targeting civil rights activists in Romania, including Ciprian Necula, Chair of the Roma Education Fund (REF) and a respected advocate for civil rights and education.
Read moreThe Roma Foundation for Europe, a leading European advocate for Roma rights, strongly condemns the recent wave of attacks targeting civil rights activists in Romania, including Ciprian Necula, Chair of the Roma Education Fund (REF) and a respected advocate for civil rights and education.
Campaigns
Open Call for Memorial Proposals: Nicolae Gheorghe Square
— 7 February 2025
Artists and designers worldwide are invited to submit proposals for a memorial honouring the legacy of Roma leader, sociologist and activist Nicolae Gheorghe.
Read moreArtists and designers worldwide are invited to submit proposals for a memorial honouring the legacy of Roma leader, sociologist and activist Nicolae Gheorghe.
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