Together, we developed proposals for the national and regional action plans (2026–2028) aimed at implementing the Roma Strategy until 2030.

This month, the government presented the National Action Plan for 2026–2028. During the meeting, it was introduced by Ihor Lossovskyi, Deputy Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience. The document is still under discussion. Until September 1, we can submit our proposals, and that is exactly what we worked on together.

The Voice of Romni team brought together representatives not only from Uzhhorod but also from smaller towns and villages of the region, and also involved local authorities in the dialogue. Together, we identified priorities, addressed the needs of Roma communities in Zakarpattia, and prepared proposals for the future plan.

“We gathered Roma leaders from Uzhhorod, Svaliava, Kholmok, and Halych. This way, not only the regional center was represented, but also smaller settlements. For us, it is very important to work through a participatory approach: different communities and leaders shape joint recommendations. These are the proposals we will submit to the central executive authorities,” shared Anzhelika Bielova, President of Voice of Romni.

Together, we thoroughly analyzed the successes and gaps in implementing the Regional Action Plan 2024–2025 in Zakarpattia. The progress report was presented by Mykhailo Davydenko, Chief Specialist of the Department for Nationalities, Department of Strategic Communications, Nationalities and Religions of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration. This analysis became the basis for developing new, specific recommendations that address the needs of Roma communities in the region.

After the discussions, participants presented their proposals. These recommendations will serve as the foundation for the further work of the coordination group, which will collaborate with authorities and donors.

This meeting became an important stage in the implementation of the Roma Strategy and a logical continuation of the National Forum, which Voice of Romni initiated earlier this year in Kyiv.

“We agreed to form groups of leaders who will work on Regional Action Plans. That is what we are doing now. We are preparing to hold similar dialogues in Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia. We began with Zakarpattia, as it is the region with the largest Roma population in Ukraine,” says Anzhelika Bielova.

We united communities, created a space for dialogue, and together laid the foundation for future decisions.