In Lety u Písku, located in southern Bohemia, a stone circle bears the names of 1,294 Roma and Sinti individuals imprisoned under the Nazi regime. At least 335 people died at this camp, while hundreds were deported to Auschwitz. During a recent visit to honor these victims, the names of children who never reached school age were read alongside an older stone inscribed with the Romani words "Ma bisteren," meaning "Do not forget." Despite being frequently labeled as Europe's forgotten people, the Roma population numbers between 10 and 12 million, exceeding the population of many EU member states. Their language is spoken from the Balkans to the Baltic, and their living heritage of music, dance, storytelling, and craftsmanship has become an integral part of European culture.
The Roma have endured centuries of persecution and forced assimilation, culminating in the genocide committed during the Nazi era. While Lety represents one of these scars, the memory serves as a reminder to prevent such atrocities from recurring. However, the vision of a Union of Equality has not yet reached every home, particularly in distant neighborhoods where antiziganism remains a daily reality. The goal is for every European to find an open door, yet for many Roma, that door remains only ajar. Discrimination manifests in job interviews that yield no follow-up calls, apartments suddenly marked as rented upon hearing a name, and children placed in separate classrooms before their abilities are assessed. These barriers leave no photographic trace but inflict lifelong damage.
The European Union's Strategic Framework for Roma has set clear targets for 2030: ending discrimination and poverty while ensuring fair access to education, employment, healthcare, and housing. A recently published third report on progress indicates that improvements are occurring, such as more Roma children starting their day in nurseries or kindergartens. Early intervention is crucial as disadvantages can snowball over time. While most employment targets may be met by 2030, progress remains uneven. In several countries, Roma children continue to study in segregated classrooms or separate schools, and too many families still live in poverty within overcrowded homes.
Change is happening, but not fast enough. While the European Commission can set the direction and finance initiatives, real transformation occurs when local mayors approve housing plans or school directors open classroom doors. The most difficult barrier remains prejudice; two years ago, nearly half of Europeans expressed discomfort at having Roma neighbors. Yet, Roma are already neighbors, colleagues, teachers, and firefighters who belong to Europe. Prejudice is learned and can therefore be unlearned through small daily actions, such as evaluating a resume based on merit or welcoming a new neighbor. Laws can open doors, but daily choices keep them open.
Inclusion is both fair and intelligent, strengthening societies by allowing Roma to play a significant role in the labor market with equal opportunities. The vision is of a Roma girl starting school this autumn in a shared classroom and later finding that her name on a resume opens doors as easily as anyone else's. This is the Europe owed to the families of Lety and every child growing up today. True wholeness will only be achieved when everyone has their place among us.
Sources: Observador.