Following the accession to the EU of Bulgaria and Romania the gypsies or Roma have become the EU's largest ethnic minority. An estimated eight to ten million Roma live here – most of them in Eastern Europe. While on paper they enjoy the same rights as other citizens, their social and political situation remains precarious. » more
The "Gypsy" and the Jew are figures on which we commonly project the character of the "other” or the misunderstood "stranger” within a society. The characteristics attributed to them are stylised into the typical characteristics of their people as a whole. » more
There are strong feelings of rejection towards the Sinti and Roma people in many European countries. Brigitte Mihok and Peter Widmann analyse the prejudices against the Sinti and Roma people which have a long tradition within the European communities » more
When the Transylvanian Saxons fled Weilau they left behind not only their farms but also their neighbours with whom they had lived in close contact for more than 200 years: their gypsies. Today it is the gypsies, of all people, who ensure that the German tradition lives on. » more
Most European Roma live in the countries of Eastern Europe, where they have drawn little benefit from the collapse of communism. They live in ghettos, their children receive very little schooling and they experience discrimination in everyday life. » more
Here you will find articles on the situation of the Roma in Europe generally and in individual countries as well as background information and addresses of institutions campaigning for equal rights for the Roma. » more
US troops started a major offensive in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday night. Around 4,000 marines are to drive the Islamist Taliban from their stronghold in Helmand in an effort to stabilise the troubled province before the Afghan presidential elections on August 20. More than 600 members of the Afghan security forces are also involved in the operation.
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