ERGO director Gabriela Hrabaňová: 17th EU Roma Platform fails to address rising challenges

The European Roma Grassroots Organizations Network (ERGO) organised a preparatory meeting ahead of the Platform involving both Roma and pro-Roma civil society representatives — a practice that had proven effective in the past. Unfortunately, few could attend it despite our having agreed with the Platform organisers that they could arrive a day earlier. Although we had negotiated early arrivals, organisers did not accommodate requests to change travel, which meant the civil society preparatory meeting felt like something “extra”, not part of the annual event. The preparatory meeting tackled the complex issue of local territorial planning, which presents challenges from multiple perspectives. We in civil society expressed concerns there about the current political landscape, particularly regarding the nomination of new Commissioners, as well as about the lack of emphasis on equality in the forthcoming political agenda. This oversight will likely have consequences for the Roma community. For instance, since 2020, the European Commission’s Roma Unit has lost two positions, leaving gaps in its leadership and programme management. Yet there has been no clear communication from the European Commission on whether these roles will be reinstated or permanently eliminated. 

Reflecting on the 17th EU Roma Platform, I feel nostalgic about the first Platform I organised on behalf of the Czech Government in partnership with the European Commission in Prague, the energy and the hope it had. It feels like a lifetime ago. High-ranking officials were present, with Commissioners and ministers attending, there was a tangible sense of commitment from the EU. Many of the following Platforms had them in attendance too. This time, the former Commissioner for Equality Dalli sent a video message, and former Commissioner for Values and Transparency Jourová joined us online, but it feels like we are watching those doors slowly close, leaving Roma civil society to bear the brunt of the fight alone. The absence of any other high-ranking officials does not send a good signal about political support for this agenda in general. 

Hungary holds the rotating EU Presidency even though it has not cooperated on this agenda. In a move seen as a symbolic affront, they sent a State Secretary closely associated with Prime Minister Orban’s regime to this 17th EU Roma Platform. Attila Sztojka’s presence, despite his Romani heritage, underscored a deeper issue — that of the co-opting of Romani identity by governments which actively undermine Romani rights, and a reflection of the systemic abuses perpetuated by Orban’s government, including its widespread corruption, its anti-Roma discrimination, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, refugee rights violations, and democratic backsliding. Adding to the day’s tensions, the civil society members staged a small protest. When Sztojka raised a point about the need for unity within the Romani community and not making our representation political, some of us raised red cards to show our disagreement. To argue that we did this in response to him speaking in Romanes would be a misunderstanding of his own political stance. We must be clear on this: We cannot support those representing a government that undermines our rights. Which brings us to a crucial question: Can Roma criticise other Roma? I have faced criticism, often from within my community, though I believe my integrity has remained intact. I left the Czech Government when it became clear that there was no political support for my work and that I would merely be a puppet. 

In contrast, Lucie Fuková, the Czech Government Commissioner for Roma Minority Affairs, did not face such backlash from civil society; her speech was encouraging and supported our joint fight against antigypsyism. We know that Lucie is hardworking and is investing all of her efforts into advancing Roma rights in Czechia. And I believe having Roma voices represented at panels related to Roma issues and even beyond is essential. We should acknowledge and appreciate the presence of Roma representatives in governmental positions, especially in a climate where accountability is sorely lacking and anti-NGO and anti-Roma legislation is being enacted. But we should then also acknowledge the rise of Roma populism and those countries that are standing against it. Unfortunately, the divisions among Roma mirror those in the broader society. We often struggle to unite in support of one another simply because we are not a homogenous community. Disagreements are natural; even within political parties, where shared ideologies connect individuals, there can be significant rifts and public disputes. 

As we confront the rising tide of antigypsyism and the growing influence of far-right movements within European Union Member State governments, we must recognise the urgency of our situation. The absence of Romani representatives in the European Parliament highlights the need for institutions like the European Commission to understand these pressing issues and to take decisive action. We need to ensure that they act sensitively and support Romani empowerment, and this is not currently reflected in the EU Roma Platform: Ironically, the first thematic panel did not have a single Romani speaker, further emphasising our marginalisation. 

We are in this struggle alone! How should we support each other? How can we encourage more Romani individuals to step into the political arena and to serve as examples of genuine commitment to supporting Roma rights? As we reflect on this year’s Platform and grapple with these questions, we must not lose sight of the progress we have made, nor the potential for change that still exists. We, as Roma civil society, must strive to build stronger alliances, both within and outside our community, to ensure that our rights are not further eroded by political apathy.