The European Commission announced the 15 winners of the 6^th edition of the EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. This year’s award recognises achievements promoting Roma integration through education. The award ceremony took place on 10 April as part of the 2025 EU Roma Week (7-10 April). 

The award is a clear reminder of the fact that Roma citizens are an important part of the enlargement, yet very often belong to the most vulnerable groups of the population. Addressing this situation and bringing solutions that support the integration of Roma citizens is a significant part of the work the Commission is doing and this award is a clear example that progress is possible.

More specifically, the EU award recognises the commitment of the winners in empowering Roma people to harness their full potential as members of society. This year’s award shows the importance of education as a key driver for building the resilience of Roma communities in the face of social, economic, environmental, health and political changes and crises. Education instills confidence and a sense of belonging, encourages active participation within the communities and is a catalyst for growth and development.

A debate on the importance of quality and inclusive education was held before the awards ceremony, with the participation of Ciprian Necula, President of the Open Society Foundations Roma Education Fund, Vesna Dzuteska-Bisheva, UNDP representative responsible for inclusive growth, Gabriela Hrabanova, Director of ERGO Network, and Nesime Salioska, former award winner.

Background

The EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye was established in 2014 to recognise the importance of Roma integration in the EU enlargement partners.

The winning civil society organisations receive a monetary award of €8,000 for the first prize, and €5,000 for the second prize to continue their work in Roma education. Private and public sector winners received non-monetary awards. All winners were awarded with a study visit to Brussels, a trophy, and an award diploma as part of the recognition of their outstanding contributions.

The 2025 6^th edition awarded 15 winners selected from a total of 100 applications and nominations from the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Awardees have been chosen for their commitment in the following areas:

• Support for access to early childhood education for Roma children.
• Prevention of school dropout and provision of academic support to Roma students.
• Empowerment of Roma girls and young women through skills development, and leadership opportunities.
• Support for Roma parents to engage in their children’s education.
• Fight against school segregation.
• Literacy and language support to Roma students, including adults.
• Career guidance and vocational training, including digital skills, to Roma youth.

For more information

• List of winners
• Winners’ brochure