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
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
Rumania and Bulgaria are the problem children among the new EU member states. Corruption is growing in both countries, and according to the EU Commission the justice reform and fight against organised crime leave much to be desired. The Commission's new progress report, due to be officially published on 23 July 2008 gives little grounds for hope that the situation will improve. Now the two countries are threatened with harsh sanctions.
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