Roma Forum on Ukraine 2026: Advancing the Rights of Ukrainian Roma Across Borders in Europe

Ukraine, Germany and European partners to discuss Roma rights, protection, participation and inclusion in Ukraine’s recovery and European integration

23–24 November 2026 | Berlin, Germany & Online

The Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture (ARCA) will organise the international conference “Advancing the Rights of Ukrainian Roma Across Borders in Europe: Ukraine, Germany” on 23–24 November 2026 at the Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin, Germany.

The conference is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany within the framework of Civil Society Cooperation and held in partnership with the Society for Threatened Peoples.

The two-day Forum will bring together representatives of Roma civil society, Ukrainian and German governmental institutions, European and international organisations, human rights organisations, researchers, journalists and community representatives.

Against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine, the Forum will address the challenges facing Roma communities during the war and their role in shaping Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and European future.

Particular attention will be given to protecting Roma rights, combating antigypsyism and discrimination, strengthening meaningful Roma participation in decision-making, and addressing the future of Ukrainian Roma refugees in Germany and other European countries.

Conference Programme and Key Discussion Topics

Day 1 — 23 November 2026

Roma Rights, Protection and Resilience

The first day will focus on the protection of Roma communities during the war, their representation in public discourse, historical memory and meaningful participation in decision-making.

The discussions will cover:

• Protecting Roma Communities During War: Equal access to humanitarian assistance, social protection, healthcare, education and essential services; the situation of internally displaced Roma, women, children, veterans and their families; and the role of Roma organisations in humanitarian response and community resilience.

• Roma Voices in Ukrainian and German Media — From Stereotypes to Representation: Media representation of Roma communities, responsible journalism, combating antigypsyism and stereotypes, and strengthening Roma voices in reporting on war, displacement and recovery.

• Roma History, Memory and National Identity: Recognition of Roma history and cultural heritage as integral parts of Ukrainian society, remembrance of the Roma Genocide, the history of Babyn Yar, and the role of education and culture in promoting historical recognition.

• Roma Participation — From Consultation to Decision-Making: Strengthening meaningful Roma participation in public policymaking, recovery and reconstruction, including the representation of Roma women and youth and the development of sustainable cooperation between Roma civil society and public institutions.

Day 2 — 24 November 2026

Return, Recovery, Reconstruction and European Integration

The second day will address the future of Ukrainian Roma refugees in Europe, Roma inclusion in Ukraine’s reconstruction and EU accession process, and long-term cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.

The discussions will cover:

• Roma Refugees from Ukraine in Germany and Europe — Future, Integration and Safe Return: The future of Ukrainian Roma refugees, access to rights and services in host countries, discrimination, integration opportunities and the conditions necessary for safe, voluntary and sustainable return and reintegration, including lessons from international experiences.

• Roma Inclusion in Ukraine’s Recovery and European Integration: Roma participation in reconstruction planning, implementation of the National Roma Strategy, equal access to public services and economic opportunities, combating discrimination, and ensuring Roma inclusion within Ukraine’s EU accession process.

• Germany–Ukraine Partnership for Roma Inclusion: Strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and German institutions, Roma civil society and European partners; exchanging good practices; supporting Roma refugees and reintegration; and developing sustainable partnerships beyond the immediate humanitarian response.

Expected Outcomes

The Forum aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Roma civil society, public institutions and international partners, while identifying practical recommendations and priorities for advancing Roma rights and inclusion.

The discussions will seek to establish common priorities and follow-up actions for the coming 6–12 months, particularly in the areas of protection, meaningful participation, refugee integration and return, reconstruction and European integration.

Participation and Registration

The Roma Forum on Ukraine 2026 will take place in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend in person in Berlin or join online from Ukraine, Germany and other European countries.

Event details:

• Dates: 23–24 November 2026

• Venue: Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin

• Address: Charlottenstraße 53/54, 10117 Berlin, Germany

• Format: Hybrid — in-person and online

Representatives of public institutions, Roma civil society, international organisations, academia, media and all interested stakeholders are invited to participate.

Registration is mandatory for all participants, including those attending online. To register, please complete the form below:

Register for the Roma Forum on Ukraine 2026

For any questions regarding the conference, registration or participation, please contact the organising team at communication@arca.org.ua.

Further information on participation and online access will be communicated separately.

Organised by: Youth Agency for the Advocacy of Roma Culture (ARCA)

Funded by: Federal Foreign Office of Germany – Civil Society Cooperation

In partnership with: Society for Threatened Peoples