International Romani Day

On the occasion of the International Romani Day on the 8th of April, a new publication by Green MEPs has been launched during the EU Roma Week in the European Parliament. It raises awareness of the most critical aspects of discrimination against European Roma and contributes to the fight against antigypsyism.

Antigypsyism, the specific form of racism and discrimination against Roma, continues to threaten Roma communities throughout Europe. Although EU institutions and Member States have taken a range of measures to promote the social inclusion of disadvantaged Roma in Europe, there has been no substantial improvement in the situation over the last decade. Many Roma in Europe continue to face poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and violent racism.

Green MEPs Benedek Jávor, Barbara Lochbihler, Ulrike Lunacek, Terry Reintke, Bodil Valero and Monika Vana state:

“We, a group of Green Members of the European Parliament, believe that the fight against the poverty and social exclusion faced by many Roma in Europe is inherently linked to the fight against antigypsyism. As parliamentarians, we consider it our duty to encourage EU institutions and Member States to take additional and decisive measures to achieve real change.”

The compilation of short essays by Green MEPs, Roma activists and researchers provides analysis of the EU policies targeting Roma communities, and offers "snapshots" of the antigypsyism faced by Roma in a number of European countries (Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary and Sweden).

The publication can be ordered free of charge and can be downloaded here