Seminar on Advancing the Rights of the Roma and Ashkali Communities in Kosovo held in Pristina

In addition to focusing on the implementation of the Declaration of Western Balkans partners on Roma integration within the EU enlargement process, known as the Poznan Declaration, the seminar also centered on setting priorities for the next two years across five key sectors: education, employment, health, housing, and anti -discrimination.

The Deputy Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova, highlighted the important contributions of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities to Kosovo’s society and Europe’s culture, emphasizing the shared EU value of being united in diversity.

Palatova noted that the EU has supported Kosovo’s efforts in advancing the rights of these three communities, including through two main projects, the Community Stabilization Programme and the Kosovo Return and Reintegration Programme, from which the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities have benefited. While noting that more work needs to be done to defend the rights and the well-being of these communities, Palatova added that the next steps should be the implementation of Kosovo’s Strategy and Action Plan and the fulfilment of the commitments of the Poznan Declaration, which are integral to Kosovo’s EU path.

Habit Hajredini, Director of the Office for Good Governance within the Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, emphasized the government's commitment to implementing the national strategy for the inclusion of the Roma and Ashkali communities in education, health, and housing, in coordination with the municipal level. He highlighted the actions undertaken by the Kosovo government to implement the Poznan Declaration, such as creating mechanisms to encourage and promote the employment of the Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptian communities, as well as preventing and combating discrimination against these communities. "Cooperation with civil society is a key pillar of society, and this cooperation brings progress in the integration of communities and ensures equal opportunities for all without discrimination," said Hajredini.

As a co-organizer of the seminar, Marta Garcia Fidalgo, the European Commission’s Roma Inclusion Advisor, addressed the audience, stating that progress on Roma inclusion requires unified action. She stressed the importance of identifying clear directions and concrete measures. "Roma inclusion from the EU perspective represents a milestone in the enlargement process that requires continuous progress, and it will be part of the negotiations of chapter 23 ‘Judiciary and Fundamental Rights’," Fidalgo remarked.

The seminar concluded with concrete recommendations to the Kosovo government, whose implementation will be monitored. While existing legislation and strategies are acknowledged, the focus should continue to be on the implementation to improve the lives of these vulnerable and often discriminated-against communities.