As a largest transnational minority in Europe, Roma (here used as a generic term, covering also Ashkali and Egyptian communities) experiences very divergent attitudes. Inherent discrimination, struggle for basic human rights such as housing, education and access to health services is a common ground for intense Roma activism across Europe. In many European countries Roma is not recognized as a national minority. Yet a number of states have recognized Roma through the international instruments such as Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and some have recognized Roma language under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, bringing forward the development of national strategies for Roma inclusion. ECMI Roma analysis is part of the special Roma homepage www.ecmirom.org/new, which will inform, document and review the Roma situation in Europe, whether the recognition as a national minority furthers Roma inclusion and what impact have the European and national Roma strategies on the improvement of Roma status.

For more information, please contact Ewa Chylinski