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Petre-Florin Manole is Romania's minister of labour. Kurto Dudush is the mayor of Šuto Orizari in North Macedonia. Radu Marian and Marin Tihomirov are members of parliament in Moldova and Bulgaria. They are Roma politicians, and they make decisions that shape the future of their countries. But Roma are still represented far below their democratic weight. After the elections in Bulgaria and Serbia, it's worth remembering why that matters: representation changes policies, and policies change lives. Real change comes when Roma move from participation to political power—from being represented to representing. When Roma political power grows, Roma don't just shape their own future. They help shape Europe's. Follow the Roma Foundation for Europe to see the people driving that change. Animation by Roma motion designer and journalist Loredana Dumitru.

Across Europe, Roma hold just 17 parliamentary seats — 15 of them in EU member states — despite population numbers that would suggest closer to 140. That's an 87.85% representation gap. In the European Parliament itself, there is currently only one Roma MEP. This isn't underrepresentation, it's near invisibility, and it leaves democratic gaps open to exploitation. Follow the Roma Foundation for Europe to learn why closing this gap matters for democracy and security alike.

Europe has a growth problem hiding in plain sight. By 2030 the continent will be short millions of workers, just as populations age and economies slow down. At the same time, 12 million Roma call Europe home, and too many are still shut out of jobs, education and opportunity. Close that gap in a handful of countries and Europe could add more than €10 billion in economic growth every year. That's not a side issue. It's part of the solution to Europe's biggest challenge. We believe a stronger, more inclusive Europe is possible. Follow the Roma Foundation for Europe to see the ideas and people driving that change.

"We cover the windows with tape, not because it helps much, but to feel like we're doing something." That's how Albina describes life in her bombed home in Ukraine — one of over 100 Roma families living the same reality. Only 14% have managed to apply for war damage compensation, and just 4% have actually received any. Systemic barriers, missing documents, and exclusion from the Register of Damage are shutting Roma families out of Ukraine's reconstruction. Follow the Roma Foundation for Europe to help push for a more inclusive recovery.

Roma have long pushed forward with strength, talent and determination—even when the road has been unfair and exhausting. Our role isn't to step in where institutions have failed Roma. It's to work alongside other Roma who are taking initiative, and to keep pressure on institutions to treat Roma the same way they treat other citizens. When Europe works better for Roma, it works better for everyone. 👉 Follow us for more. #accountability #romaempowerment #inclusivegrowth #romaforeurope

When leadership fails to reflect society, policies fail to deliver. Together with partners, the Roma Foundation for Europe supports Roma leadership that strengthens institutions, improves decision-making and delivers better economic outcomes for Europe.