Roma Youth Together 2026 Seminar
On 8 April, marking International Roma Day, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) joined the Youth Department of the Council of Europe and the Roma and Travellers Division in Strasbourg for the Roma Youth Together 2026 seminar. The three-day event convened Roma youth from across Europe to engage in dialogue, exchange practices, and contribute to policy-relevant discussions.
The seminar represented more than a capacity-building activity; it functioned as a structured participatory space in which young Roma engaged as co-creators of knowledge, policy perspectives, and narratives shaping their communities and wider European democratic processes.
The 2026 edition was co-organised in partnership with three established Roma civil society organisations: the International Roma Youth Network (TernYpe), the ERGO Network, and Phiren Amenca. These partners contributed longstanding expertise in Roma youth advocacy, rights-based education, community organising, and transnational networking.
Three Pillars, One Vision
The programme was structured around three interrelated thematic pillars, reflecting a progression from cultural affirmation to civic engagement:
Celebration
The seminar opened on International Roma Day, paying institutional recognition to Roma history, culture, and contributions across Europe. Participants exchanged good practices and reflected on inclusive and meaningful participation within their respective national and local contexts. The commemorative programme included a flower ceremony and opening addresses by Marja Ruotanen, Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity at the Council of Europe, Georgios Stamatis, General Rapporteur on Roma and Travellers of the Parliamentary Assembly, and Stelina Dungaj, member of the Advisory Council on Youth.
Pride
Through facilitated workshops and collaborative group work, participants explored Roma identity, heritage, and cultural expression. These sessions supported the development of collective narratives affirming Roma pride and visibility. Petro Rusanienko, Community Coordinator at ERIAC, facilitated the workshop “Roma Pride in Motion”, encouraging participants to articulate contemporary understandings of Roma pride through creative and participatory methods.
Contribution
The seminar directly contributed to broader European policy discussions. Participants engaged with democratic governance themes and provided input to the emerging process towards a New Democratic Pact for Europe, ensuring that Roma youth perspectives were integrated into ongoing policy development at European level.
The seminar brought together Roma youth aged 18 to 30, including youth leaders, youth workers, and community organisers representing Roma organisations and networks across Europe. Participants engaged actively throughout the programme, exchanging experiences and strengthening their capacity to act as multipliers within their respective communities.
The event took place within the framework of the “Opre Roma!” month, dedicated to the celebration of Roma history, language, and culture, which brings together a series of events and initiatives across Europe throughout April.