[Strasbourg, 5 November 2026] — Speaking at the 7th International Conference “Safeguarding Romani Language”, organised by European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) and the Council of Europe, Elise Cornu, Head of the Council of Europe Division on National Minorities and Minority Languages, highlighted the role of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in protecting and promoting Romani.

Romani, a non-territorial language spoken across different states and represented by many varieties, is protected under the Charter in 16 of the 25 states that have ratified it. The level of protection varies between countries, but the commitments made by states provide a framework for progress.

“Protection is not the finish line. It is a foundation on which to build,” Elise Cornu said. “What matters is translating commitments into concrete improvements through state action and support, co-operation with Romani speakers, sustainable funding, better educational opportunities and greater use of the language in public life.”
Challenges remain. Romani is often absent from mainstream education or taught for too few hours, particularly at preschool level. Shortages of qualified teachers and learning materials also persist, while the language’s use in public administration, justice and traditional media remains limited. Antigypsyism and discrimination also affect Romani’s status and use.

The Charter Secretariat published a factsheet on Romani and its protection under the Charter last year for International Romani Language Day. The factsheet is also available in Romani.

The conference also considered how digital technologies and AI could support the language. In its 2022 Statement on Artificial Intelligence, the Committee of Experts identified both opportunities and challenges for regional and minority languages. For Romani, technology could help expand digital learning resources and Romani-language content, and support communication, education and public services.

“AI can help expand opportunities, but it cannot replace public commitment, human expertise or the voices of Romani speakers themselves,” Elise Cornu said. “Romani speakers must be able to use their language at home, in school, in public life and online, so that it remains a living language passed on to future generations.”