15-16 April 2025, Online

Over two days, 150 civil servants, academics, and human rights professionals from across the Western Balkans and Türkiye gathered virtually for a Regional Training on Recognising and Combating Antigypsyism, jointly organized by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC Serbia), the ReSPA, and the Council of Europe.

Opening remarks from key figures — including Bratislav Mitrović (ERIAC Serbia), Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova (ReSPA), and Eleni Tsetsekou (Council of Europe) — set the tone for a comprehensive program focused on understanding and dismantling systemic antigypsyism.

"In times of geopolitical, economic, and technological disruption, no aim can match the value of investing in human capital — the only asset that truly appreciates. By empowering civil servants with knowledge, skills, and the right mindset, we not only foster inclusive growth and resilience but also pave the way for meaningful Roma integration, stronger public administrations, and a future grounded in equality and prosperity for all," underlined Director Handjiska Trendafilova at the opening.

On the first day, Professor Adrian Marsh led participants in a delve into the historical and contemporary realities of Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, and other Romani communities in the region. Bujar Taho, who presented a compelling session on institutional antigypsyism, followed, highlighting the structural dimensions of exclusion.

An afternoon panel brought together voices from across Europe, including Lolita Hasani Grasmann, Stevan Gligorin, and Dr. Ismael Cortes, to explore best practices for Roma inclusion in public administration, moderated by Dr. Aleksandar Andrija Pejović.

The second day opened with a discussion on Roma inclusion in the context of the Berlin Process and the future of the Poznan Declaration, featuring contributions from Sokolj Beganaj, Neda Korunovska, and a representative from the Council of Europe.

Training modules targeted key public service sectors:

• Judiciary and legal professionals (Ivana Goranić)
• Law enforcement (Jashar Jasharov, OSCE)
• Education professionals (Rayna Emilova, Fulbright Scholar)
• Health professionals (Maria Atanasova, Harvard University)

The event concluded with final reflections, reaffirming the shared commitment to combating antigypsyism through inclusive governance, human rights, and EU integration.

This training exemplifies the urgent need to equip public servants not only with knowledge and skills, but with the values and mindsets required to champion equity and dignity for all Roma communities across the region.