Roma European Union Romani Evropaki Unija JEKHIPE
POWER IS IN THE UNITY
Meeting of REU-JEKHIPE Representatives with MEP Kathleen Van Brempt
Meeting of REU-JEKHIPE Representatives with MEP Kathleen Van Brempt Representatives of the Romani European Union – JEKHIPE met on [date of meeting] with Member of the European Parliament, Ms. Kathleen Van Brempt, in Brussels. During the meeting, we presented the work and objectives of our organization, including the REU-JEKHIPE Strategic Plan for the period 2025–2030, as well as our key program areas: empowering Roma communities, combating discrimination, and promoting Roma culture. Special attention was given to the situation of Roma communities in Spain, Romania, Portugal, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia, where Roma continue to face serious challenges of poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. Ms. Van Brempt expressed her interest in the topic, particularly in the context of her engagement with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and EU Enlargement. She announced that during her upcoming visit to Serbia, she would pay special attention to the situation of Roma communities. REU-JEKHIPE conveyed an appeal for stronger representation of Roma rights within the EU enlargement process and called for continued cooperation with European institutions. On this occasion, we handed over our informational materials (Handout) and the REU-JEKHIPE Strategic Development Plan 2025–2030, which were received with great interest. We believe that this meeting will contribute to strengthening the voice of Roma in European political processes and to opening new spaces for cooperation.
REPORT ON THE CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL ROMA DAY — APRIL 8, 2025
REPORT ON THE CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL ROMA DAY — APRIL 8, 2025 Organizers: Roma European Union and Roma Cultural Center JEKHIPE Location: Sint-Niklaas, Belgium In cooperation and support of: City Administration of Sint-Niklaas On the occasion of International Roma Day, April 8, 2025, the Roma European Union and the Roma Cultural Center JEKHIPE organized a ceremonial program in Sint-Niklaas, with the strong support and cooperation of the City Administration. The event was officially opened with speeches by: Imer Kajtazi, President of the Roma European Union JEKHIPE Lieven Dehandschutter, Mayor of Sint-Niklaas H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Montenegro The speakers emphasized the importance of April 8 as a day dedicated to the struggle of Roma for equality, freedom, and dignity, and the need for continued joint efforts to build a society of equal opportunities for all. Following the opening ceremony, a panel debate was held featuring: Safet Hajvazi Senema Mustafa Nora van de Calluwe Wouter Van Belingen Lieven Dehandschutter, Mayor of Sint-Niklaas The debate was moderated by Matthias, who skillfully led the discussion. The main topics of the debate addressed critical issues facing the Roma community and society at large: Discrimination and Racism: Participants discussed ongoing forms of racial discrimination against Roma and proposed concrete measures to combat prejudice. Employment: The debate highlighted the importance of creating equal opportunities in the labor market, promoting vocational training programs, and inclusive employment practices. Education: Special emphasis was placed on education as a foundation for a better future, calling for greater support for Roma pupils and students, including scholarship programs and mentorship initiatives. Throughout the debate, numerous issues were raised and solutions proposed for improving the position of Roma within Belgian society, with a strong focus on the importance of cooperation between local authorities, civil society organizations, and Roma institutions. The event concluded in a warm and friendly atmosphere with a reception where guests enjoyed traditional Roma specialties, fostering informal networking and the exchange of ideas. Conclusion: The event successfully promoted the values of mutual respect, equality, and inclusion. The organizers express their heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, debate participants, guests, and the City Administration of Sint-Niklaas for their active support and engagement, with the hope that such events will further strengthen community ties and continue the affirmation of Roma culture and rights.
Report from the Conference Held in Düsseldorf – December 15, 2024
Report from the Conference Held in Düsseldorf – December 15, 2024 Organizers and Objectives of the Conference: The Roma European Union (REU) Jekhipe, in collaboration with Roma Center e.V. and with the support and partnership of CARMEN e.V., organized a joint meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together Roma organizations operating in Germany to discuss potential cooperation and strengthen joint actions. Roma organizations from Germany, Serbia, Belgium, and Bulgaria participated in the event. Location: The conference was held at AWO ZentrumPlus in Düsseldorf. Program and Activities: 09:00 – 09:15: Opening Remarks The conference was opened by representatives of Carmen e.V., Roma Center, and REU Jekhipe, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to improve the political representation of Roma at both national and European levels. 09:15 – 10:00: Presentation of Participating Organizations The participating organizations introduced their activities, projects, and the challenges they face in their efforts to advance Roma rights in different countries. 10:00 – 11:00: Presentation and Discussion – Insufficient Political Representation of Roma A presentation was given on the current situation in Germany, emphasizing the limited political influence of the Roma community. The discussion focused on the reasons for this underrepresentation and potential ways to address it. 11:00 – 11:15: Coffee Break Participants had the opportunity to network informally and exchange ideas. 11:15 – 13:00: Workshop – Political Representation of Roma in Germany and Europe: What’s Next? Participants worked in groups to develop strategies addressing key issues, including: Structural and institutional discrimination and racism Combating right-wing extremism Roma participation in elections Structural funding for Roma organizations Strengthening cooperation among organizations 13:00 – 14:00: Lunch Break Participants enjoyed lunch and continued informal discussions. 14:00 – 15:30: Presentation and Discussion of Workshop Results The working groups presented the results of their discussions, which were then thoroughly reviewed. Key conclusions included the need for joint initiatives and enhanced political lobbying for Roma at all levels. 15:30 – 16:30: Plan for 2025 Participants agreed on key priorities for the upcoming year, including planning future meetings, raising awareness of Roma issues, and strengthening cooperation among organizations from different countries. Closing Remarks and Farewell: The conference concluded with the shared understanding that only through joint efforts can Roma organizations achieve significant progress in the fight for Roma rights and political representation. Conclusion: The conference in Düsseldorf provided an important platform for exchanging ideas, experiences, and strategies. The organizations agreed that cooperation is essential to overcoming challenges and improving the position of Roma across Europe.
Join the Roma European Union JEKHIPE!
Join the Roma European Union JEKHIPE!
The Roma European Union JEKHIPE is looking for new members – both men and women – who are ready to join our mission and community. If you are committed to advancing Roma rights and eager to contribute to positive change, this is your opportunity!
We are currently prioritizing the expansion of our membership in Germany, and we invite everyone interested in making a difference in the Roma community to apply.
As a member of JEKHIPE, you will have the opportunity to:
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Actively participate in key decision-making processes for the community.
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Develop and improve projects that enhance the quality of life for Roma across Europe.
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Collaborate with experts and organizations on local, national, and international levels.
Your voice matters. Become part of a movement that builds bridges, creates opportunities, and changes the future for generations to come!Interested?
Interested? Click on the document below to learn more and apply for membership in our Union.
Introduction
The Romani European Union (REU) – JEKHIPE is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the rights, integration, and status of Roma across Europe. Founded in late 2020 and officially registered in early 2021 as a non-profit organization based in Belgium.
REU-JEKHIPE invites all organizations, institutions, and individuals who share our vision to join us in our mission to empower the Romani community. Through collaboration and active membership, together we can strengthen Romani unity and advocate for equality and rights for Roma across Europe.
Whether you are an individual, organization, or institution, your support and participation can contribute to our efforts in fighting discrimination, promoting education, and creating a fairer society for all. Join us and be part of the change!
Collaboration with Organizations and Institutions
REU-JEKHIPE actively collaborates with various organizations, institutions, and international partners to jointly improve the rights and status of Roma across Europe. Through partnerships with non-governmental organizations, governments, European institutions, and local communities, we work to enhance access to education, employment, healthcare, and legal support for Roma.
Our collaboration is based on the exchange of knowledge, resources, and experiences, with the goal of creating a more inclusive society where the Roma community is recognized as an important part of Europe’s cultural and social identity.
Our Vision
Our vision is a Europe where Roma are equal and respected members of society, free from discrimination and prejudice. We strive to build a society where the rights of Roma are fully protected, and their rich culture and heritage are recognized and valued as part of the European identity.
Our Mission
The mission of REU-JEKHIPE is to empower Romani communities through education, legal support, and social inclusion. We actively work to combat discrimination and racism against Roma, promote equal access to education, employment, and healthcare, and advocate for Roma rights at the international level.
