On the occasion of the International Romani Language Day, the Division of National Minorities and Minority Languages and the Roma and Travellers Division of the Council of Europe and the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) co-hosted the 5th edition the “Safeguarding Romani Language” conference, in Strasbourg.

During the conference experts and practitioners of Romani language, educators and academics debated on Council of Europe standards and promising policies relevant to the protection, promotion and harmonisation of the  Romani language. The Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages was represented by Jürgen Pirker, member in respect of Austria, who presented the findings and recommendations of the Committee of Experts, as well as promising practices in states parties.

The conference was also the opportunity to launch the Romani language textbooks (levels A1, A2 and B1), which were prepared by Romani linguists and experts and published by ERIAC with the support of the Council of Europe and the German Federal Foreign Office.

ERIAC has a unique mandate as the transnational, European-level organisation for the recognition of Roma arts and culture. Among other strategic measures and efforts, ERIAC has developed the Romani Language Initiative, which aims to become the language and education centre for the transnational Romani movement and community.

The Council of Europe and ERIAC have established a strong cooperation aimed at contributing to the implementation of the Council's principles and objectives in all Member States with Roma populations, as set out in its policy recommendations, such as the Strategic Action Plan for Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2020-2025).

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Learn more about the Romani language initiatives within the Council of Europe, as well as Romani language textbooks on the dedicated webpage.