After two years of project, the final transnational meeting between participants of the Ways of Europe project took place in Barcelona from 17 to 19 March 2026. Coordinated by ARCI Solidarieta, the Ways of Europe project aims to bring together young people from across Europe to create a space for dialogue and reflection on several European issues. Its ultimate goal is to foster civic engagement in order to strengthen access to rights and democracy throughout the European Union.
Defending Minority Rights and Combating Discrimination
The focus of this meeting was on fighting discrimination and promoting minority rights, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of Roma communities in Spain and across Europe. The Pere Closa Foundation, which works to promote access to education and training for young people from the Roma community, organized the meeting with the participation of seven other organizations (Mandragola, UCCA, Community, Altera APS, Wijkz, Foundation of Subjective Values, Faktor Terminal).
The program included conferences, visits, and workshops presenting the history and culture of Roma communities, as well as encouraging reflection on the mechanisms for integrating these communities in Europe. These three days concluded with the drafting of a manifesto gathering all the initiatives, exchanges, and debates that took place during the meeting. This manifesto was presented on the last day to the Barcelona City Council, concluding the meeting.
Did You Know?
- The Roma population originated in northern India : they are believed to have left India between the 11th and 14th centuries.
- In 2025, Spain celebrated the 600th anniversary of the arrival of Roma people in the country: the first official document authorizing a Roma person to enter the territory is dated 1425.
- From their arrival in Europe, Roma communities have faced widespread discrimination:
- 1499: first anti-Roma law in Spain (forcing Roma people to leave the territory under threat of enslavement).
- More than 2,500 anti-Roma laws were enacted in Spain between 1499 and 1978.
- 1749: first attempt to exterminate Roma people during the Gran Batuda in Spain.
- Second World War: Samudaripen (literally “the killing of all”), genocide of Roma people.
- In the 20th century, the Roma movement became more structured, adopting a flag (blue and green with a red wheel), an anthem (Djelem, Djelem), and achieving recognition of International Roma Day, celebrated on 8 April.
What’s Next?
With this latest transnational meeting, the final phase of the Ways of Europe project now begins, which will conclude in October 2026 in Brussels. Activities at both local and European levels will be organized to present the manifestos produced throughout the project.