Which Steps Towards European Policies Against Anti-Gypsyism?

Anti-Gypsyism remains the most widespread and least challenged form of intolerance in Europe, violating European principles and creating serious obstacles to Romani individuals in their daily lives.

Roma today benefit less than other European citizens from public policies and from local infrastructure investments, such as into schools and social housing. They are also subject to political campaigns and measures explicitly aimed to harm them as members of a minority group. The experience of discrimination, deepened by exclusion from political life, can lead to mistrust in public institutions, creating further barriers to successful dialogue between the state and its citizens.

Fortunately, more and more European governments recognize that discrimination against Roma threatens social cohesion and hampers the social advancement, education, and employment of their citizens. Understanding also that lifting Roma from poverty alone will not overcome hostile attitudes shared by a majority of Europeans, governments have adopted proactive measures promoting a culture of diversity, respect, and mutual dialogue—both in state institutions and in society at large.

This seminar will explore how successful policy initiatives around education and reconciliation can be systematized and widened throughout Europe.