From May 22 to 24, 2024, in Budapest, the Democracy Institute of the Central European University (DI CEU) hosted a meeting for national Roma Civil Monitor (RCM) coordinators. The workshop represents an essential milestone in the RCM initiative as it launches the second monitoring cycle, in which the CSOs will assess the implementation of the NRSFs in their respective countries.
The setting—CEU’s historic Nádor 13 premises—was fitting for such an important dialogue. The workshop opened with Marek Hojsik and Roland Ferkovics from DI CEU, outlining the current state and future steps of the RCM implementation. Their introduction set the tone for three days of intensive discussions, collaborative activities, and strategic planning.
This was followed by the EU policy update delivered by Marcela Adamová from the European Commission’s DG JUST who manages the RCM on the side of the EU. Her presentation and subsequent Q&A session provided attendees with insights into the latest EU policies impacting Roma and underscored the importance of informed advocacy.
Participants then engaged in a participatory activity, sharing updates from their respective countries. This exercise, marked by lively exchanges, highlighted the challenges and successes encountered by Roma communities across Europe.
The second day was dedicated to a mid-term evaluation of CSOs’ advocacy activities, facilitated by Rafael Saavedra Rodríguez and Raúl Pérez González from Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG). This reflective session allowed participants to critically assess their efforts, celebrate achievements, and identify areas needing improvement. One of the workshop’s most engaging segments was the presentation of the RCM report on successful initiatives in residential desegregation co-authored by several CSOs participating in the RCM. This session delved into the report’s findings and explored how it could be leveraged in advocacy efforts.
In the afternoon the participants had a chance to learn more about AI tools for communication, as well as about using these tools in their daily work – presented by Ana Rozanova from the European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network. This very practical workshop was then followed by Bernard Rorke from the European Roma Rights Centre, who provided insights into effective communication and civic mobilisation strategies. Bernard encouraged the coordinators to, above all, use the reports they produce to make sure the information in them is known to a broad audience.
Isabela Mihalache from the ERGO Network followed with a session on addressing antigypsyism in policy and legal advocacy, offering practical strategies to combat discrimination.
The final day featured an introductory session on public policy analysis
by Balázs Váradi and Petra Reszkető from the Budapest Institute. The session was an introduction to an online course for Roma and pro-Roma activists on the subject aimed to equip participants with the analytical tools necessary for impactful policy work. This was followed by the final session in which the participants discussed the guidelines for the upcoming second RCM cycle, led by Andrej Salner and Marek Hojsik, providing a roadmap for future activities.
Throughout the workshop, the importance of strengthening the NGO network and fostering transnational cooperation was a recurring theme. Informal networking opportunities, including dinners, allowed participants to build relationships and share experiences in a more relaxed setting.
As the workshop drew to a close, the final session was a moment of both reflection and anticipation, setting the stage for future collaboration and continued advocacy.
