On 29 April 2026, during the parliamentary debate on Roma inclusion, equality, and fundamental rights: delivering on Europe’s values, Roma across Europe witnessed statements that fundamentally contradict the principles the European Union claims to uphold. Language used during the debate reproduced harmful stereotypes, normalised racist narratives, and directly contributed to the continued marginalisation of Roma communities.
Members of the European Parliament bear a responsibility not only to legislate, but also to lead by example. When discriminatory language and sweeping generalisations are voiced in an institutional setting, they do not exist in a vacuum as such statements reinforce antigypsyism, legitimise exclusion, and undermine decades of Roma‑led efforts to combat racism, dismantle prejudice, and build inclusive societies.
It must be stated clearly and unequivocally: the term “gypsy”, as well as its variations and related expressions, is derogatory and discriminatory. Its repeated use in political discourse by MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou perpetuates stigma and reflects a concerning disregard for Europe’s long history of persecution and systemic discrimination against Roma people. The explicit or implicit merging of Roma identity with criminality, or claims that “gypsies live at the expense of other citizens”, is not only false but deeply harmful and unacceptable. Such narratives directly contribute to social exclusion, discrimination in access to services, and hostility toward Roma communities across Europe.
During the debate, references to so‑called “integration” efforts framed through the questioning of public spending and statements such as “How are we going to integrate gypsies?” or “Let’s stop subsidising criminals” , exemplify how racist framing continues to dominate political discourse. We strongly condemn these statements as there can be no meaningful integration as long as structural discrimination and stigmatisation persist at the very heart of the European Union, and as long as elected officials misuse their authority to fuel racism.
The same applies to the position expressed by MEP Milan Mazurek, who openly opposed minority programmes and claimed that “people in Europe should have the same equal rights and responsibilities.” Roma people are people of Europe. Opposition to minority programmes ignores the historical and structural reasons why Roma were placed within a minority protection framework in the first place, and why targeted measures remain necessary. Rejecting such programmes reflects a failure to acknowledge the systemic exclusion that has pushed Roma communities to the margins – a reality we experience daily and one this Parliament has repeatedly recognised.
Integration cannot be imposed through racist narratives, but it can only be achieved through mutual respect, recognition of the diversity within Roma communities, and genuine engagement with Roma expertise, leadership, and lived experience.
We, as Roma, are rights‑holders, active contributors to European societies, and agents of change. Across Europe, Roma individuals and organisations continue to demonstrate leadership, innovation, and expertise in education, public service, culture, research, policy, and civic life. Ignoring this reality or dismissing targeted equality measures altogether perpetuates exclusion and undermines the credibility of European institutions and their stated commitment to fundamental rights.
We therefore call on European institutions to publicly condemn the use of racist and discriminatory language in parliamentary debates and act decisively against antigypsyism in all its forms, including within political discourse.
In our eyes as Roma youth, Europe’s values are being tested in this moment of accountability demand, and we will continue to demand dignity, equality, and justice.
Acknowledgements
That being said, we as a network wish to acknowledge those Members of the European Parliament who used the debate to responsibly address the persistent challenges Roma communities continue to face and who openly called out the racist and discriminatory stances expressed during the debate. Such interventions demonstrate that political responsibility is still present within this institution and they have shown one more time that antigypsyism is not inevitable but it’s a choice. As such, they chose to stand for accountability, justice and defence in the name of the biggest minority group in Europe which still has no voice of Roma in the seats.
Thank you to Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ, Krzysztof ŚMISZEK, Hristo PETROV, Marie TOUSSAINT, Estrella GALÁN, João OLIVEIRA and to the Commissioner for Equality Hadja LAHBIB.