What is Roma Week 2026?

Roma Week 2026 envisions a Europe where Roma are active agents of change and equal participants in political, social, and economic life. By connecting justice, equality, and participation, it aims to build bridges across institutions and communities, ensuring Roma inclusion remains a defining commitment of the European Union.

Aim

Roma Week 2026 aims to reinforce the political and social commitment of the European Union toward Roma equality, inclusion, and justice. It will build on the achievements of previous editions, focusing on strengthening Roma participation in EU policy frameworks, ensuring accountability in the use of EU funds, and advancing recognition of antigypsyism as a fundamental human rights issue.

With the new EU multiannual financial framework (MFF) and European elections approaching, Roma Week 2026 provides a timely opportunity to align policy, funding, and political will to deliver tangible progress for Roma, Sinti, and Traveller communities. It seeks to connect Roma inclusion to the broader agenda of democracy, social justice, and the rule of law, while amplifying Roma voices across Europe.

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Key objectives of Roma Week 2026:

  1. Linking Roma inclusion with the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2035
    To ensure that Roma equality and inclusion remain at the heart of EU priorities, Roma Week 2026 will focus on influencing the design of the upcoming MFF and advocating for the full and effective implementation of Roma-targeted and mainstream funding instruments.
  2. Combating antigypsyism and promoting transitional justice
    Building on the discussions initiated through the JEKHIPE project, the Week will emphasise transitional and restorative justice approaches to address historical and contemporary antigypsyism, fostering recognition, remembrance, and reform.
  3. Fostering alliances across equality and anti-racism movements
    Roma Week 2026 will connect Roma advocacy to the broader anti-racist and human rights landscape, working in synergy with the EU Antiracism Week and civil society networks to promote solidarity among racialised and marginalised communities.
  4. Promoting Roma leadership and participation
    Continuing the focus on Roma representation from 2025, the Week will highlight Roma women, youth, and professionals as key actors in shaping EU policy and democratic life. Sessions will explore pathways to enhance political engagement and leadership development.
  5. Digital inclusion, education, and housing as pathways for empowerment
    Roma Week 2026 will spotlight key socio-economic areas – digitalisation, education, and housing—as interconnected pillars for empowerment and equality, presenting both grassroots innovations and policy solutions.
  6. Strengthening cooperation between institutions and civil society
    The event will reinforce partnerships between the European Parliament, European Commission, Council of Europe, and Roma civil society to ensure coherent and impactful policy responses.

Agenda of the Roma Week 2026

Day 1 – Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Venue: European Parliament (TBC)

09:20 – 11:30 | Official Opening Event: The Future of Roma Inclusion under the New MFF

11:45 – 13:20 | Romani Queer Women and Intersectional Policy Gaps (Closed Event)

Roma Youth & MEPs Lunch Dialogue (closed event, by invitation only)

Organisers: ternYpe International Roma Youth Network, Amaro Drom e.V, Bildungsforum gegen Antiziganismus in cooperation with MEP Hristov Petrov, Renew Europe.  
 
Description: 
This event brings together Roma youth and Members of the European Parliament for a dialogue during Roma Week 2026. Young Roma activists will share their experiences and highlight key challenges faced by Roma communities across Europe. The discussion will focus on policy priorities and possible actions to strengthen Roma inclusion, youth participation, and the fight against discrimination and antigypsyism. The event aims to connect local realities with European policy discussions and amplify the voices of Roma youth. 

14:00 – 16:00 | INDEX Event: Roma Inclusion and Human Rights in Europe: Strengthening Civil Society Monitoring across EU and Council of Europe Frameworks

16:30 – 18:30 | Film Screening – Suno Dikhlem (I saw a “Suno”)

Day 2 – Wednesday, 22 April 2026

European Economic and Social Committee

09:15 – 11:45 | TAAO High-Level Event: Together Against Antigypsyism Online (TAAO): Confronting Online Antigypsyism, Evidence, Accountability and EU Action

12:30 – 14:40 | JEKHIPE High-Level Conference: Reclaiming our past, rebuilding our future: Transitional Justice and the Fight Against Antigypsyism in Europe

15:00 – 17:00 | Roma in Europe’s Housing and Energy Agenda

18:30 Official dinner

Venue: Kamilou Restaurant, 36 rue Joseph II, 1000 Bruxelles

Registration link will be available soon

Day 3 – Thursday, 23 April 2026

European Parliament

08:45 – 10:15 | Challenges and Opportunities of Roma in the EU enlargement region

10:30 – 11:55 | Safety and Justice Through a Roma Lens: Challenging Systemic Profiling and Rights Violations

12:00–13:30 Romani Women’s Futures Forum

14:00 – 16:00 | Roma Youth Empowerment and Awareness for Change

15:30 – 16:00 | Official Closing of Roma Week 2026 – Final Remarks
Ana Gallego Torres, Director General, Directorate-General Justice and Consumers, European Commission (TBC)
Gabriela Habanova, Director, ERGO Network

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