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Regional Roundtable in Podgorica highlights urgent need to address statelessness among Roma in the Western Balkans
On 27 May 2025, representatives of governments, international organisations, civil society, and human rights experts gathered in Podgorica, Montenegro, for the Regional Roundtable on the Prevention and Reduction of Statelessness among Roma in the Western Balkans. The event served as a unique...
Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina join efforts to promote inclusion, curb antigypsyism and prejudice
A special consultative session with media editors from Bosnia and Herzegovina took place in Sarajevo, focusing on the visibility and social inclusion of Roma communities, the portrayal of Roma-related issues in the media, and the media's responsibility in combating antigypsyism in public...
North Macedonia: Conducted info sessions to support Roma community with civil documentation and access to free legal aid
As part of the Roma Integration Phase III Joint Programme of the European Union and Council of Europe, the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association (MYLA) conducted five information sessions on 5, 12, 13, and 14 May 2025, focusing on the importance of civil documentation. These sessions were held in...
The Voice of Young Roma – Change Begins With Us!
To mark Roma Resistance Day on 16 May, Bosnia and Herzegovina hosted a three-day event in Sarajevo titled "The Voice of Young Roma – Change Begins With Us!". The event brought together young Roma, institutional representatives, and international organisations to promote youth participation in...
National Employment Platform: Unlocking Economic Potential Through Investment in the Roma Community
The National Employment Platform conference, held on 7 May 2025, in Skopje, North Macedonia, brought together policymakers, Roma civil society organisations, international partners, and private sector stakeholders to explore strategies for enhancing the economic inclusion of Roma through active...
Consultative Meeting Launched in Sarajevo to Develop Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Roma Social Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030
From 22 to 24 April 2025, representatives of public institutions and civil society organisations gathered in Sarajevo for a consultative meeting on the development of the Action Plan on Social Inclusion of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2026–2030. The event focused on identifying...
Conference Highlights Progress and Challenges in Advancing the Rights of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Communities in Kosovo
The Advancing the Rights of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Communities conference brought together key stakeholders to discuss ongoing efforts aimed at improving the socio-economic and political status of these communities in Kosovo*. The event provided a platform for reflecting on achievements,...
Strengthening Roma Civil Society for Effective Policy Engagement
A key step toward improving Roma integration in Albania was taken this week as 24 representatives from Roma civil society organizations participated in a capacity-building training focused on the monitoring and implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for Roma Inclusion. Organised under...
Deadline : 4 April 2025, 16:30 CET
Call for Tenders: Expert Support Required for Housing and Land Legalisation – Competitive Bidding Procedure
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, aimed at strengthening the capacities of governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Roma community...
Deadline: 7 April 2025 16:00 CET
Call for Tenders: Providing direct support to 50 Roma individuals/families in the process of housing and land legalisation in Kosovo*
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and Council of Europe, aiming to strengthen the government capacities in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address the challenges faced by Roma communities. The initiative focuses on public...
Deadline: 31 March 2025 23:59 CET
Call for Tenders : Assist central-level institutions in preparing, drafting, and submitting funding proposals for EU, IPA, and other relevant funding instruments
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and Council of Europe, aiming to strengthen government capacities in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address challenges faced by Roma communities. The initiative focuses on public policy...
Step forward towards institutionalisation of Roma and Egyptian Responsive Budgeting in Albania
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania has successfully led an initiative to integrate Roma ad Egyptian Responsive Budgeting into the Medium-Term Budgeting Guidelines (2026-2028). With the approval of the Ministry of Finance, this critical measure is now officially included under...
"Roadmap for the Inclusion of Roma in Employment" Presentation Meeting Held in Ankara, Türkiye
The "Roadmap for the Inclusion of Roma in Employment," developed under the European Union and Council of Europe’s Joint Programme Roma Integration Phase III, was presented at a meeting with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the Delegation of the...
Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Roma Inclusion: Study Visit in Skopje, North Macedonia
A study visit aimed at strengthening regional cooperation for Roma inclusion between Montenegro and North Macedonia took place on 26-27 February 2025 in Skopje, North Macedonia. The visit was initiated by the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Programme Roma Integration III and organised...
Deadline: 7 March 2025 16:00 CET
Call for Tenders : Feasibility Study on Housing Conditions in Roma Settlements in 10 municipalities in Albania
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and Council of Europe, aiming to strengthen government capacities in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address challenges faced by Roma communities. The initiative focuses on public policy...
National Roma Contact Points' Coordination Meeting on Roma Inclusion
The National Roma Contact Points (NRCPs)' Coordination Meeting brought together representatives from the Western Balkans, Türkiye, Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, along with officials from DG ENEST, the European Union Delegations, the Council of Europe Roma and Travelers Division (CoE RTD), and...
Deadline: 13 February 2024 16:00 CET
Call for Tenders: Feasibility Study on Housing Conditions in Roma Settlements in North Macedonia
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and Council of Europe, aiming to strengthen government capacities in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address challenges faced by Roma communities. The initiative focuses on public policy...
Conference on Social Inclusion Measures for Roma Men and Women at the Local Level
On 18 December, the conference "Monitoring of Social Inclusion Measures for Roma Men and Roma Women at the Local Level" brought together representatives from various institutions and civil society organisations in Serbia. The event provided a platform for discussing the progress, challenges, and...
"Roadmap for the Inclusion of Roma in Employment" Presentation Meeting Held in Ankara, Türkiye
On 19th December 2024, the Council of Europe Ankara Programme Office hosted the presentation of the “Roadmap for the Inclusion of Roma in Employment”, developed through the Roma Integration Phase III Joint Programme of the European Union and Council of Europe. The event brought together...
Drafting Mid-Term Report on Kosovo ’s Roma and Ashkali Strategy: Joint Workshop Highlights Progress and Challenges
In close cooperation with the Kosovo* Foundation for Open Society, the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, organised a key workshop in Durrës, Albania, focused on drafting the Mid-Term Report on the implementation of the Action Plan 2022–2024 for...
Advancing Roma Inclusion: Feasibility Study for Social Housing in Montenegro
On 16 December 2024, in Podgorica, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Family Care, and Demography presented a the feasibility study on social housing for Roma and Egyptian communities in Montenegro. This study, commissioned by the Council of Europe under the European Union/Council of Europe Joint...
Deadline: 6 December 2024, 24:59 CET
Green Transition and Green Agenda Training Module I for Central Level Institutions
As part of the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union, the first part of a training series on the Green Transition and Green Agenda for central level institutions was hosted online on December 6, 2024. The session, attended by 60 participants, focused...
Deadline: 10 December 2024, 23:59 CET
Roma Integration III competitive bidding procedure in Western Balkans and Türkiye for a one-off contract
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme in partnership with the European Union to strengthen the capacity of governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address challenges faced by Roma communities. This initiative focuses on developing and...
Deadline: 18 December 2024, 23:59 CET
Competitive Bidding Procedure for Framework Contract on Positive Media Portrayal of Roma
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme in partnership with the European Union to strengthen the capacity of governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address challenges faced by Roma communities. This initiative includes developing and implementing...
North Macedonia: Regional Training Workshops held to enhance Implementation of Legal Amendments for Vulnerable Groups
On 4 and 26 November 2024, two regional training workshops were conducted in Skopje and Ohrid to support the implementation of the Law on Amendments to the Law on Reporting Residence and Stay and the Law on Amendments to the Law on Personal Identification Cards. The legislative changes, adopted...
Training on Using the Digital Monitoring Tool of Roma Policies for National and Local Authorities in North Macedonia
On 20 November 2024, in Skopje, the European Union and Council of Europe Roma Integration III Programme conducted a training session to introduce the new Digital Platform for Monitoring Roma Policies. The platform is a tool designed to support national and local authorities in monitoring...
Deadline: 21 November 2024
Roma Integration III competitive bidding procedure in Türkiye for a framework contract
The Council of Europe is implementing the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, aiming to strengthen the capacity of governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Roma community...
Supporting the Local Government Helpdesk and Cadaster Agency staff for inclusive property rights services to all citizens
On 28 October 2024 in Fier and on 4 November 2024 in Vlora, Albania, local municipal staff and officials from the State Cadastre Agency (SCA) took part in two targeted training sessions aimed at improving service delivery related to transitional ownership processes in these cities. The training...
National Roma Contact Points discussing territorial inequalities at the 17th European Platform for Roma Inclusion
This high-level event brought together political decision-makers from the EU, funds managing authorities, and representatives of Roma and pro-Roma civil society around the topic “Roma Equality, Inclusion, and Participation in Territorial Planning and Development”. The purpose of the event was to...
Conference "Light and Shadow – Roma in the Education System" Brings Together Key Stakeholders to Foster Inclusivity in Serbian Schools
The “Light and Shadow – Roma in the Education System” conference, held on 27th September 2024 in Belgrade, provided an important platform for educators, parents, and students to discuss ways to create more inclusive and diverse schools in Serbia. This event facilitated a rich exchange of ideas on...
Workshop on finalising the National Action Plan for Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Communities (2025-2026)
A second workshop brought together key representatives of Ministries in Kosovo*, to finalise and review the National Action Plan for the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities in Kosovo, focusing on the period of 2025-2026. This workshop aimed to align the Action Plan's activities with the...
Fifth Ministerial Meeting on Roma Integration Held in Berlin
On 18 September 2024, the fifth Ministerial Meeting on Roma Integration took place in Berlin, bringing together ministers from Western Balkan Beneficiaries, representatives of the Council of Europe, European Commission, other high-level officials and representatives from the Roma Foundation for...
Media professionals in search of tools for transforming media narratives on Roma in the Western Balkans and Türkiye
The "Transforming Media Narratives on Roma" training brought together 30 media professionals from the Western Balkans and Türkiye to address the role of media in combating discrimination and antigypsyism. The event, organised within the framework of the EU-CoE Roma Integration III Joint Programme...
Workshop in Kosovo* to develop the 2025-2026 Action Plan for implementing the Strategy on Advancing the Rights of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Communities
A workshop was held in Pristina, Kosovo, to engage institutional actors in the revision of the 2022-2024 Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for the Advancement of the Rights of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian Communities in the Republic of Kosovo 2022-2026. The workshop focused on...
Geoportal of Roma Settlements with Substandard Conditions presented at the Regional Roma Housing Conference in Tirana
The Geoportal of Roma settlements with substandard conditions was presented at the Regional Roma Housing Conference held in Tirana on 12-13 June 2024. This conference was organized by the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union. The platform provides...
Regional Roma Housing Conference Highlights Urgent Actions Needed to Address Housing Inequalities in the Western Balkans and Türkiye
The Regional Roma Housing Conference, held in Tirana, Albania, convened policymakers, activists, experts, and community leaders to tackle the critical housing challenges and inequalities faced by Roma communities in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. Organised under the Roma Integration Phase III...
Workshop Held in Montenegro to Improve Strategic Approach in Implementing the Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Roma and Egyptians
As part of the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, a workshop on Improving Strategic Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring of the Strategy for the Social Inclusion of Roma and...
Introduction of Roma Integration Phase III at the ROMACTED II Advisory Group meeting in Ankara
Within the framework of the European Union - Council of Europe joint regional programmes, the Advisory Group Meeting for the ROMACTED-II Project, aimed at Promoting Good Governance and Roma Empowerment at Local Level, as well as the presentation of the "Roma Integration Phase III" Project were...
North Macedonia: Operationalisation of National Action Plans for the Implementation of the Strategy for Social Inclusion of Roma 2022-2030
The Joint European Union and Council of Europe Roma Integration III Programme convened a workshop to support the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy of North Macedonia in developing seven operational plans. These plans pertain to objectives outlined in the National Action Plans for 2024 and 2025,...
“CHACHIPE” - “The Truth” – Celebrating Roma Heritage
The installation “CHACHIPE” - “The Truth” was displayed in the city centre of Tirana on April 11, 2024, in celebration of International Roma Day and Week. Aiming to enhance the narratives about Roma and improve public opinion and knowledge about Roma people and their persistent efforts towards...
Seizing commitment of all relevant institutions in Albania to address implementation of Poznan Declaration Commitments
Ms Albana Koçiu, Minister of Ministry of Health and Social Protection, underlined in her remarks Albania’s commitment as a signatory country to fulfil the objectives outlined in the Poznan Declaration. She affirmed Albania’s appropriate support and promotion of Roma and Egyptian inclusion across...
“NO! to Antigypsyism, YES! to the Roma" cultural event marks International Roma Day in Skopje
In celebration of the 8 April - International Roma Day, the joint programmes of the European Union and the Council of Europe, “ROMACTED - Phase II” and “Roma Integration - Phase III”, organised a cultural event titled "No to Antigypsyism, Yes to the Roma." The event, held on April 7th in Skopje...
Public Classes on Roma History and Culture Held for Youth in Pirot and Belgrade, Serbia
As part of the Roma Integration III Joint Programme by the Council of Europe and the European Union, a public class on Roma history and culture was held on April 4, 2024, at the Roma Cultural Centre in Pirot, Serbia. This event was organized in celebration of International Roma Day, in...
Workshop on the 2024 – 2025 Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for Social Inclusion of Roma and Egyptians 2021-2025 in Montenegro
The Ministry of Human Rights and Minorities of Montenegro, in collaboration with the Council of Europe and European Union’s Roma Integration Phase III Joint Programme, convened a workshop for developing the Action Plan for the implementation of the Strategy for Social Inclusion for the Roma and...
16th European Platform for Roma Inclusion with focus on equal access for Roma to adequate and desegregated housing
The 16th edition of European Platform for Roma Inclusion, jointly organised by the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, was held on 30 November, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. The inauguration, spearheaded by Pablo Bustinduy Amador, the Spanish Minister...
Fourth Ministerial Meeting on Roma Integration: Advancing Commitments for an Inclusive Future
Ministers from Western Balkan candidate countries convened in Skopje, North Macedonia, for the Fourth Ministerial Meeting on Roma Integration, a significant step forward in addressing persistent challenges faced by Roma communities. The meeting, organized by the Government of North Macedonia in...
Roma Integration III Call for Tenders: Thematic Consultants
Within the framework of the Joint European Union/ Council of Europe Project Roma Integration Phase III, the Calls for Tenders for Thematic Consultants are now published. The Roma Integration Phase III project aims to strengthen the capacity of governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to...
Roma Integration – Launch of Phase III in Brussels
On 22 June 2023, the joint project of the European Union and Council of Europe ”Roma Integration - Phase III” was launched in Brussels, within the premises of the European Commission. The event brought together over 50 participants - the National Contact Points for Roma in the Western Balkans and...
