On 16 October 2024, Panteion University hosted a training session for university professors, focusing on the portrayal and understanding of Roma issues in Greece. Opened by Christina Koulouri, Rector of Panteion University, this event underscored the university’s unique role as the only institution in Greece offering courses on Roma issues. The Rector emphasized the need for more universities to adopt similar initiatives and expressed eagerness to collaborate on future projects.

Key discussions included contributions from experts across various fields. Eleni Tsetsekou, Head of Council of Europe’s Roma and Travellers Division underscored the academic community's responsibility in improving the portrayal of Roma people in society, highlighting the lack of Roma history in Greek education system and the pressing need for filling this gap. She also referred to the syllabus “Understanding And Combating Antigypsyism, Anti-Roma Discrimination And Gender Inequality” developed under CoE-EU Joint Programme  “Roma Women’s Access to Justice” (JUSTROM3).

Isabela Mihalache from ERGO Network introduced strategies to combat antigypsyism, presenting "Dimensions of Antigypsyism in Europe" , a study addressing the portrayal of Roma in European media. She also raised concerns about the removal of antigypsyism from Greek legislation despite its acknowledgment in European policy frameworks.

HELP trainer and expert, Theodoros Alexandridis presented the Council of Europe’s HELP courses including adaptation of module on Discrimination against Roma*, aimed at equipping legal and media professionals with resources to address discrimination, referencing over 40 Roma-related cases brought before the European Court of Human Rights. Marilena Katsimi shared findings from the study** on Greek media’s portrayal of Roma, revealing patterns of negative coverage that often invite public prejudice. The session concluded with discussions on a pilot project to introduce Romani language in Greek schools—a positive step toward integrating Roma culture within the educational system.

This training underlined the importance of collaborative efforts between academia, NGOs, and government bodies to promote an inclusive and accurate portrayal of Roma in Greek society, paving the way for continued progress in Roma-related education and awareness initiatives.

* The HELP Module on "Discrimination against Roma" tailored to journalists and media representatives is available in Greek language upon request. If you wish to follow the course, please request the connection links by contacting [email protected] 

** Study on the portrayal of Roma in the broadcasting in Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Romania is available at this link