Roma communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to face serious obstacles that affect their dignity, equal opportunities and full participation in society. Many Roma families still struggle with access to basic services such as healthcare, education, electricity and water. In order to create a fair and inclusive society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is crucial to address the discrimination that Roma people face, especially women and girls, which makes them even more vulnerable to poverty and marginalisation.
This message was at the centre of the Sixth Roma Seminar, held today in Sarajevo and co-organised by the EU Office in BiH and the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees. The seminar gathered state and entity authorities, international partners, EU Member States and Roma community to jointly assess progress and agree on concrete steps for improving Roma situation in the country. The European Union once again reaffirmed its long-standing support to Roma inclusion in BiH with an additional 12 million euros in grants to finance a comprehensive Roma inclusion programme in the country.
“Fighting discrimination and strengthening social inclusion remain among key EU priorities. Bosnia and Herzegovina must show that it effectively protects minority rights, including the rights of Roma, to advance on its path towards EU membership. BiH has adopted a Strategy and Action Plans for Roma inclusion. What is now crucial is full political consensus, consistent implementation on the ground, and results that can be clearly measured. Today’s seminar should bring renewed commitment, clearer responsibilities and concrete actions to ensure that what we agree here leads to real, visible improvements in the lives of Roma communities”, underscored Magdalena Mueller-Uri, Head of Cooperation at EU Delegation to BiH.
“Roma inclusion remains a lasting priority for the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our obligation is to build equal rights and equal opportunities for all, especially for those whose rights have long been on the margins, such as the Roma community, which is both the largest national minority and one of the most vulnerable in BiH. Today’s seminar reaffirms our commitment to further strengthening Roma communities through partnership with the European Union, domestic institutions and international organisations,” said Amina Kavazović, Advisor to the Minister at the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH.
A key highlight of the seminar was the participation of the Roma Policy Advisor at the European Commission, Marta García Fidalgo. During her address she stressed that advancing Roma inclusion is essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession and for ensuring equal rights for all citizens. “As Bosnia and Herzegovina moves forward on its path towards EU accession, the protection of minority rights and addressing fundamental rights remain essential requirements. Today’s seminar is a joint effort. Its purpose is not only to discuss the situation on the ground, but also to identify the remaining gaps and agree on concrete measures to address them. The EU has allocated 12 million euros in the coming years to support Roma inclusion. It is crucial that these funds are used effectively and in line with the needs of Roma communities. Roma inclusion will remain a key priority for the EU, and every step forward in this area will also mean progress for Bosnia and Herzegovina on its EU integration path,” said Fidalgo.
During the seminar, the European Commission’s 2025 Country Report was presented, highlighting some progress but also the remaining challenges in Roma inclusion. The support for Roma housing was noted as a positive example of progress, but the gaps in education, employment, healthcare and anti-discrimination measures are still very high. The report also underlined the need for BiH to strengthen its legal and institutional framework and ensure adequate funding in line with the EU Roma Strategic Framework 2020–2030.
“This seminar comes at a crucial moment for assessing progress and defining the next steps in the process of integrating the Roma community into society. We have developed action plans in the areas of employment, housing, healthcare, education and other key needs of the Roma community. However, it is important to emphasise that progress is still limited and that it is essential to prioritise actions that the Roma community itself identifies as vital. I want to thank everyone for their effort and dedication to Roma inclusion. Our goal is clear, a life of equal opportunities and equal chances for the Roma community,” said Mujo Fafulić, Member of the Roma Board within the Council of Ministers of BiH.
The seminar produced new conclusions to guide joint actions for the next two years. Institutions, civil society organisations, international partners and local communities committed themselves to continue working together to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in the lives of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During her three-day mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Marta García Fidalgo will visit Tuzla and Kiseljak, where she will meet Roma families, women, youth and local institutions. The visit, organised within the EU-funded project “Right to a Future”, will highlight the everyday challenges Roma communities face, but also the strength and resilience they show. She will meet Roma women who are leading by example and driving local initiatives towards empowering Roma women and girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Over the years, the European Union has significantly contributed to improving housing and employment opportunities for Roma as well as access to health and education. The EU continues to call on the institutions, civil society organisations, international partners and local communities to continue work together to ensure meaningful and lasting improvements in the lives of Roma in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EU Delegation in BiH writes.
Photo: EU Delegation in BiH
