Brussels Hosts the First European Agency for Roma Unity.
The agency is dedicated to the inclusion, equality, and political representation of Roma people across Europe. It aims to serve as the institutional voice for all Roma communities, ranging from those in extreme poverty to professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, activists, academics, and public officials. The agency emphasizes that all Roma individuals are equal in rights, freedoms, and responsibilities, and their voices deserve to be heard, valued, and respected.
The agency is not a privilege granted to the Roma minority but a democratic necessity and a collective benefit. In a Europe where education, decent jobs, and civic participation should be guaranteed for all, Roma individuals can and should contribute to societal development. We envision a world where all children, especially those from marginalized communities, have access to quality education. This is seen not as a utopia but as a strategic investment, leading to a more competitive, fair, and united Europe.
The true power of the agency will depend on the political unity of the Roma people. Without genuine internal solidarity, a common representation strategy, and authentic, integral leaders, there is a risk that this historic opportunity could be wasted. We call for Roma individuals to understand that only together we can influence policies affecting our lives, from access to housing and education to combating discrimination and promoting Roma culture.
Moreover, the political representation of Roma is in crisis. Political parties often use Roma communities as electoral pawns without a coherent vision or investment in authentic community leaders. This disconnection between the community’s expectations and its political representation needs to end. Roma individuals are not seeking pity but the chance to build, participate, and decide. In a Europe that promotes diversity, inclusion, and social justice, there is no longer room for structural marginalization.
The European Agency for Roma Unity is presented as a platform that unites the efforts of governmental actors, civil society, European institutions, and local communities. For the first time, there is a space to build a coherent European policy for Roma equality, based on evidence, dialogue, and real participation. The agency remains politically independent, transparent, and results oriented. It supports research, community projects, public policy development, and the promotion of Roma culture and heritage. At the centre of all these initiatives are Roma children, the future of the community, who have the right to a childhood without fear, prejudice, and systemic barriers.
While acknowledging that we do not live in a perfect world, progress is possible when we focus on what we can do better together. Roma individuals should no longer be a marginal topic but equal partners in the decision-making process. The establishment of the European Agency for Roma Unity is seen as a beginning and proof that, through unity, vision, and sustained effort, the world can indeed be changed.
