On 2 October 2025, the 18th European Roma Platform took place in Brussels — one of the key annual events facilitating dialogue between EU institutions, Member States, and Roma civil society representatives.
The event was attended by members of the ROCIT research team – “Unequal Citizenship and Transnational Mobilisation of Polish, Czech and Ukrainian Roma in the Face of War in Ukraine”, implemented at the Centre of Migration Research, University of Warsaw (CMR UW): Elżbieta Mirga-Wójtowicz and Julian Kondur.
Organised by the European Commission, the Platform serves as a central consultation and coordination forum for the implementation of the EU and National Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation Strategies (2020–2030).
This year’s edition focused on assessing the progress achieved after five years of implementation and on formulating recommendations for the forthcoming 2026 European Commission report.
The meeting brought together representatives of EU institutions, national governments, international organisations, and Roma civil society from across Europe. Discussions addressed persistent challenges related to antigypsyism, poverty, education, employment, housing, and the situation of Roma communities affected by the war in Ukraine.
Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the meaningful participation of Roma in decision-making processes, strengthening financial mechanisms supporting Roma organisations, and promoting evidence-based and research-informed policymaking.
Participants noted that despite institutional progress, tangible improvements in the living conditions of Roma communities across Europe remain limited. The debate highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships between EU institutions and Roma organisations, based on shared responsibility, sustainable funding, and systematic monitoring.
The participation of CMR UW researchers in the European Platform reflects their broader engagement in analysing and documenting Roma transnational mobilisation in the context of the war in Ukraine, and their commitment to advancing equality, inclusion, and social justice in Europe.
