Today, the European Commission unveiled the winners of the fourth edition of the prestigious 'Most Roma Friendly Mayor' award in the Western Balkans and Türkıye. This esteemed accolade, which underscores the belief in citizens and equal treatment by local authorities, is a powerful tool in shifting attitudes towards Roma inclusion. It showcases the efforts of local authorities who empower Roma communities and actively listen to their needs. The award ceremony was a highlight of the Romani Week, a significant event organized at the European Parliament (9-11 April), with Valentina Superti, the Director for the Western Balkans in the European Commission's DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement (DG NEAR), presenting the awards.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said:
“Having the award ceremony during the European Parliament Roma Week is especially important because it gives a strong political message. This award acknowledges the selected mayors' outstanding work in breaking barriers between local authorities and Roma communities and shows policymakers, civil society, and experts that a change is possible. Empowering Roma and including them will contribute to the country's socio-economic development. Roma citizens are an asset. This is the reason why between 2014 and 2023, the EU increased its funding by 50%, reaching over EUR 130 million in financial support. This year's winners' dedication to empowering and mobilizing Roma communities and strengthening their ability to engage in dialogue with public authorities is inspiring. I hope that this award inspires others to follow their example.”
Of the estimated 10-12 million Roma residing in Europe, approximately 1 million are in the Western Balkans and 2.8 million in Türkiye. The EU's commitment to the full integration and inclusion of Roma people is evident in its financial support. Between 2014 and 2023, the EU increased its funding by 50%, reaching over EUR 130 million in financial support. This substantial investment underscores the EU's dedication to Roma inclusion and its belief in the potential of Roma citizens. Among the ongoing regional Roma integration projects, boosting the dialogue with public authorities and project partners and raising awareness of Roma issues is an important priority.
Background
The primary purpose of Romani Week is to consolidate the European Parliament's and other institutions' commitment to fighting against antigypsyism and formulate this commitment into action. The award ceremony is the peak of the campaign in Brussels and aims to create strong synergies with the actions that took place across the Western Balkans and Türkiye, as well as the EU Member States at the local and national levels.
The "Most Roma Friendly Mayor" award is organized as part of the regional project of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance 'Romani Women Power of Change in the Western Balkans and Türkiye.' Roma Active Albania coordinates the project with financial assistance from the European Union, and it supports the network of Roma civil society organizations in the enlargement region.
The Power of Change project is implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. It is part of a regional campaign aiming to mobilize Roma communities and strengthen their ability to engage in dialogue with public authorities. The local advocacy took place in all the Western Balkans region and Türkiye, and the independent selection panel was chosen among the nominated mayors, with only one winner per country - The Most Roma Friendly Mayor - to receive the award in Brussels.
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Details
- Publication date
- 9 April 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations