The second edition of the Council of Europe’s Roma Political School was officially launched on 22 October 2026 at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences in Athens, in the presence of the University’s Rector, Professor Christina Koulouri, who welcomed participants to the programme.
Building on the success on the first school in 2025, the 2026 edition focuses on political participation and democratic engagement, bringing together students, young researchers, policymakers, practitioners and members of Roma communities to examine the challenges and opportunities facing Roma participation in public and political life in Greece and across Europe. It is also a contribution to the on-going exchanges on the New Democratic Pact for Europe process, launched in 2025 by the Council of Europe`s Secretary General.
Taking place ahead of the Greek national elections expected in the first half of 2027, the school provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the role of Roma in democratic processes and decision-making. Participants will critically assess existing policies affecting Roma communities and develop policy proposals aligned with the Council of Europe Strategy for Roma and Traveller Inclusion (2026-2030).
The programme seeks to bridge academic research, public policy and community experience. Through lectures, workshops and interactive discussions, participants will explore topics such as Roma political representation and civic participation, public policies affecting Roma communities, democratic institutions and governance, equal treatment and non-discrimination, as well as the challenges and opportunities created by disinformation and hate speech in contemporary political life.
A distinctive feature of the school is its commitment to ensuring that Roma voices are at the centre of discussions. Alongside academics and experts, Roma activists and community representatives will share their experiences and perspectives, contributing directly to policy debates and providing valuable insights into the realities faced by Roma communities.
The school also promotes dialogue between different sectors and generations, creating a space where emerging Roma leaders, students and researchers can engage with policymakers and experts and develop practical tools for civic and political engagement. Particular attention will be given to strengthening participation at local and national levels and encouraging evidence-based approaches to policymaking.
The programme is organised in three phases:
- kick-off of the school
- a lecture and seminar series running from October to December, and
- a concluding symposium in December.
Lectures/ seminars
Seminar 1:
Democracy under Pressure: The Rise of Disinformation and Hate Speech and the Future of Roma Political Participation
22 October, 18:00–20:00
The session examines historical cases and contemporary obstacles to Roma participation in political life and in the public sphere more generally.
Seminar 2:
Voices for Democratic Participation, Inclusion and Dialogue: Young Roma researchers present their studies on Roma communities in Greece.
29 October, 18:00–20:00
Seminar 3
Inclusive Governance and Public Policies: Strengthening Roma Participation and Social Inclusion
5 November, 18:00–20:00
A comparative analysis of national and European policies for the Roma, examining the shift from assimilationist strategies to more inclusive approaches.
Seminar 4:
Equal Treatment and Public Administration: Strengthening Democratic Responses
12 November, 18:00–20:00
Seminar 5:
Addressing Crime, Hate Speech and Antigypsyism: The Role of the Police
19 November, 18:00–20:30 (venue to be announced)
Final Workshop and Round Table
3 December, 15:00–21:00
Workshop on Strategies for the Empowerment of Roma Women at Local Level (15:00–17:00)
The workshop aims to offer Roma women a space to share their experiences and exchange knowledge, as well as to explore ways of achieving meaningful representation and public presence.
Round Table (17:00–18:00)
Topic: Strengthening Roma Participation and Evidence-Based Policy
Participation of academics, experts and members of the Roma community.
Themes:
- Strengthening Roma political participation at national and local level.
- Creating an inclusive policy agenda.
- Empowering Roma participation in knowledge production and in public policy.
Throughout this period, participants will work together to analyse key policy issues and formulate recommendations aimed at strengthening Roma participation in democratic life.
As part of the programme, participants will also have the opportunity to engage with broader European discussions on democracy and human rights, including through possible participation in the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg in 2027.
Learn more about the 2025 Roma Political School in Greece.
