First ROVA workshop kicks off in Budapest: uniting Roma CSOs to promote EU values The ROVA (Roma CSOs promoting EU values) project officially launched with its first international workshop, held on April 14–15, 2025 at the Autonomia Foundation in Budapest. This marks a key milestone in the 36-month initiative, aiming to strengthen Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations (CSOs) across Europe.
What is ROVA?
ROVA is a multi-country initiative supporting 120 local Roma and pro-Roma CSOs and 15 national Roma coalitions in Spain, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and across the EU. The project’s goal is to enhance access to fundamental rights, civic participation, and the visibility of Roma issues, while reinforcing democratic values through grassroots, bottom-up approach.
The Budapest workshop: building the foundations
This first ROVA workshop focused on grantmaking — the heart of ROVA’s capacity-building
strategy. Participants explored topics such as:
- Approaches to grantmaking in the context of Roma empowerment
- How to facilitate the development of project ideas
- Promoting calls and conducting transparent selection procedures
- Contracting, monitoring, and reporting processes
The sessions were highly interactive, combining presentations with reflection sessions and peer learning. Each organization introduced its profile and shared impactful experiences in the field of Roma rights and community development.
Why it matters
The workshop is the first of many steps in creating sustainable support structures for Roma CSOs—especially those from remote and under-resourced regions. The project is designed not only to fund, but also to mentor and empower local actors who are often left out of larger European funding schemes.
The consortium behind ROVA
Led by the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO Network), ROVA brings together five of its members from across Europe: Autonomia Alapítvány (Hungary), Nevo Parudimos (Romania), FAGiC (Spain), Integro Association (Bulgaria), and Romanonet (Czech Republic). Together, they represent a unique alliance of field-experienced organizations committed to long-term change.
As the ROVA journey begins, this first workshop sets the tone for collaborative, strategic and inclusive action to elevate Roma voices and promote equality and rights across the European Union.
The ROVA project receives financial support from the European Union, co-funded by the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility, Future (EVZ Foundation).
