Over the past decade, many European countries have experienced a rise in inequalities and social tensions, also fueled by the spread of identity-based narratives that are reluctant to recognize the value of diversity. These dynamics have, in turn, exacerbated discrimination, exclusion, and the marginalization of minorities.
Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti communities have long been among those most exposed to these trends. According to the 2023 Eurobarometer, discrimination based on Roma identity is the most widespread form of discrimination in the EU, with particularly high levels reported in Greece, Portugal, and Italy. This situation is compounded by persistent socioeconomic vulnerabilities: 80% of people of Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti origin are at risk of poverty, and more than half of children live in conditions of severe material deprivation.
In light of these data, it is more important than ever to strengthen the role of local authorities in combating discrimination, while promoting structured dialogue with civil society to identify and implement effective policies and interventions, as well as to foster the dissemination of intercultural approaches.
The FAIR EUROPE – Fostering Awareness and Interculturalism with Roma communities in European cities project aims to enhance intercultural competences, promote inclusive and anti-discrimination policies, support civil society organizations working to defend rights and ensure equal treatment, and encourage dialogue between institutions and local communities through the exchange of good practices among local authorities. The project involves 11 cities from the Network of Intercultural Cities, within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme, from Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Romania, and Ukraine. ICEI leads the partnership as the coordinating organization.
European Union – CERV-2025-Networks of Towns
Through the direct involvement of 11 European cities, the project aims to strengthen the intercultural competences of local authorities and support them in identifying and implementing effective anti-discrimination policies at the municipal level.
A central role will be played by civil society organizations working alongside Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti communities: the project will promote opportunities for exchange and capacity-building, fostering dialogue and synergy in the joint definition of local policies.
The results and good practices identified will be promoted within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities Programme, with ICEI acting as lead partner.
Direct beneficiaries:
- Staff members of the municipalities of the 11 cities actively involved in the project;
- Civil society organizations representing and/or supporting the rights of Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti communities.
Indirect beneficiaries:
- European citizens, who will become more aware of the benefits of diversity, thereby contributing to the promotion of equality (including gender equality) and the fight against discrimination.
Project activities
The FAIR EUROPE project is structured around four main areas of work:
- The first area focuses on training for local administrators and civil society organizations. It includes transnational training meetings in Italy, a fact-finding survey on the situation of Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti communities in the different territories, and training pathways addressed to both local authorities and civil society organizations.
- The second area aims at developing shared local strategies by engaging institutions and associations in discussion seminars, drafting local action plans, and organizing awareness-raising initiatives on Roma, Sinti, and Caminanti culture.
- The third area is dedicated to the exchange of experiences and good practices among the participating European cities, through a continuous networking platform, a transnational meeting in Portugal, and national conferences in Italy and Portugal.
- The fourth and final area concerns evaluation and dissemination of results, including collective reflection moments on the processes launched at the local level, a final conference in Strasbourg, and communication activities to ensure visibility of the results achieved.
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