Menu
work

Roma in the COVID-19 Crisis

This brief warns that Roma communities in Europe need more economic support in their fight against COVID-19 and its consequences. The EU also needs the Roma demographic for its own economic and political future.

Roma communities in Europe face a much higher risk of death from COVID-19, as their situation, already marked by extreme racism and poverty, has been worsening in the last decade. However, the European Union member states covered in this policy brief—Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain—have not responded with proportionate support.

This brief argues that the COVID-19 crisis and the EU’s recovery plan in response both present an opportunity to improve the conditions of Europe’s Roma—not only in terms of rights, obligations, needs, but in the interests of sound political and economic decision-making across the region.

This report was originally published on opensocietyfoundations.org.

Author(s)

Roma Foundation for Europe

Share this article
Send

The latest

Read about our work and the issues we are addressing.
Press

Serbia Must Amend Missing Persons Alert System to Protect Vulnerable Adults

24 February 2026
The Roma Foundation for Europe calls for immediate regulatory changes following the death of 19-year-old Manuel Amet.
Press

Constitutional Review of the Šutar Law Confirms Serious Rule-of-Law Concerns

23 February 2026
The Roma Foundation for Europe has repeatedly warned that Slovenia's Šutar Law risks undermining constitutional guarantees and fundamental rights. Intervention by the Human Rights Ombudsman now brings those concerns before the Constitutional Court.
Photo: POLITICO Studio
Events

Europe’s Growth Depends on Roma Talent

18 February 2026
At “The Roma Factor” in Brussels, leaders discussed how investment in the Roma can help sustain growth and solve Europe’s workforce shortages.

Browse by category

Campaigns

We are on the ground with our network to bring Roma power where it matters.
Campaigns

Events

Information about events from the Roma Foundation for Europe and its network members.
Events

Facts

Briefings, explainers and analyses that explain and highlight complex issues.
Facts

Press

Media coverage of our work, press releases and information for journalists.
Press

Voices

Perspectives, experiences and narratives from the community.
Voices
Offices
BrusselsBerlinBucharestBelgradeSkopje
Sign up for news

Sign up here so you don’t miss out on campaign updates, upcoming events and other news from the Roma Foundation for Europe and our network.

Sign up for our newsletter