On April 8 – International Roma Day – we commemorate the hundreds of thousands of Roma killed during the Holocaust. This is a day of recognition and responsibility. Bulgaria is among the few countries in Europe that do not allow the deportation of their Roma to Nazi death camps.
„This choice obliges us. Integration is not a gesture of goodwill – it is a state responsibility. It doesn't happen with words, but with perseverance, commitment and real solutions“, said Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, Chairman of the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues.
He emphasized that concrete results have been achieved in recent years – over 12,500 Roma found jobs in just one year, hundreds of new social housing, better access to healthcare and education. But he added that serious problems remain – the inclusion strategy has no regulatory weight, institutions operate with limited capacity, and the housing crisis in many Roma neighborhoods is not legally regulated.
“If we want real change, the strategy must enter the parliament. Administrative capacity must be strengthened. And problems must be met with solutions, not reports“, said Zafirov.
Later at the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius“ an exhibition dedicated to the history and culture of the Roma community was opened. The event is held under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister and shows those pages of Bulgarian history that are rarely included in textbooks, but are an integral part of our society.
“Integration is not only a social measure – it is also a matter of visibility. Culture has the power to tell stories, to bring people together. And sport gives young people a sense of belonging and opportunity. I have worked with Roma children for more than a decade and I know that when they are given a chance, they use it“, stressed Zafirov.
Bulgaria has saved its Roma. Today we must take the next step – to ensure that each of them has a real opportunity to be a full-fledged, respected and visible member of society. This is not a matter of generosity, but of justice. Not of promises, but of actions.