“Romani has never been a language of war or conquest. It represents peace, diversity, and resilience—the values Europe says it stands for. If Europe is serious about protecting its heritage, it cannot ignore Romani. But this isn’t just about language. It’s about dignity. It’s about giving every Romani child the chance to learn their language, because when they do, they know who they are. They know where they come from. And that gives them pride. It gives them dignity. And with that dignity comes the confidence to dream, to grow, and to reach their full potential” Zeljko Jovanovic, Executive Director of Roma Foundation for Europe
On the occasion of the International Romani Language Day, the Council of Europe and the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture co-hosted the 5th edition the “Safeguarding Romani Language” conference.
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 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 the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (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).
Learn more about the Romani language initiatives within the Council of Europe, as well as Romani language textbooks on the dedicated webpage.
Romani: A language of the future (Adapted from remarks delivered at the “Safeguarding Romani Language” conference in Strasbourg on 5 November 2024) – Roma Foundation for Europe.
