International Roma Day is an important occasion to celebrate the rich culture, history, and language of the Roma people, as well as to honour their invaluable contribution to Kosovo’s diverse and vibrant society. The Roma people are an integral part of our European communities with shared European heritage and achievements.

In Europe, we cherish our different traditions and the diversity that forms the foundation of our collective strength. The Roma people, as one of Europe’s largest ethnic minorities, have played an essential role in shaping this diverse tapestry.

This diversity should be both acknowledged and celebrated. That is why it is essential for the Roma community in Kosovo to have the same rights, receive the same treatment, and, most importantly, access the same opportunities. Roma children, girls and boys alike, should enjoy genuine equality and inclusion from an early age.

However, the reality for many Roma women and men, girls and boys, in Kosovo remains stark. Far too many continue to live on the margins of society, facing systemic challenges that prevent their full participation in social, economic, and political life.

The challenges faced by Roma people are not just about individual hardship; they reflect broader societal issues. Limited access to education, housing, employment opportunities, and adequate healthcare are just a few examples of the injustices and discrimination that the Roma community continues to experience. Moreover, women and girls from the Roma community experience multiple layers of discrimination, both on the grounds of their ethnicity and their gender. 

It is true that job opportunities for the Roma community remain scarce, largely due to insufficient access to quality education that meets the demands of the labour market. Many Roma are employed in unskilled jobs within the informal economy. This is reflected in an unemployment rate of over 60% among the Roma—more than twice that of the general population in Kosovo. Greater efforts are needed to support the work of learning centres, which too often suffer from inadequate funding and limited professional development opportunities for their teachers.

Nevertheless, some progress has been made. I am pleased to see some improvements in education, employment, and housing. There has been progress in supporting Roma students’ access to higher education through scholarships, as well as in improving access to social housing, particularly following the recent adoption of the Law on Affordable Social Housing. To address early marriages, school dropouts, and unemployment in vulnerable communities, a collaborative approach has been established through inter-institutional working groups. These groups—comprising legal authorities, educational institutions, social workers, local communities, and non-governmental organisations—coordinate their efforts to provide a comprehensive response to these complex challenges

Another positive development is the gradual increase in the representation of some minority communities within Kosovo’s police force. In 2025, the Kosovo Police held a graduation ceremony for 462 cadets, with the number of Roma uniformed officers rising from 14 in 2021 to 19 in 2025. These officers are now fully trained and ready to serve their communities.

To ensure continued progress, a more robust implementation by the Government of Kosovo of the Poznan Commitments and the 2022–2026 Strategy and Action Plan for the Inclusion of Roma and Ashkali Communities is crucial. Full implementation of relevant legislation at all levels of government is essential.

Looking ahead, we must remain committed to building a more inclusive and equal society. Roma women and men, girls and boys, should have access to the same opportunities that enable everyone to thrive—be it in education, employment, healthcare, or participation in civic and political life. The fight against discrimination and the goal of full integration must stay at the core of Kosovo’s policies.

The EU in Kosovo remains committed to playing its part in driving positive change. This is a continuous effort—one that requires close cooperation with the government and the active engagement of civil society. By tackling the root causes of discrimination and exclusion, we can help build a more equal, just, and inclusive Kosovo for all.

Together we can!

Bahtalo 8 Aprili sa e Romenge!