Roma and the Transition in Central and Eastern Europe: Trends and Challenges

Poverty among the Roma minority is one of the most challenging development issues facing the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Conditions have deteriorated more severely for Roma than for others, and Roma have been poorly positioned to take advantage of emerging economic and civic opportunities. Poverty among Roma is multi-dimensional and related to a broad range of factors, including poor health and educational status, and limited chances in the labor market, as well as discrimination and unique aspects of the social organization of Roma society, which together contribute to their exclusion. Addressing the challenges facing the Roma is central to the success of economic transition and is an integral part of the process of building cohesive and inclusive societies in the region. In particular, the European Union accession process is focusing attention on the conditions of the Roma and increasing international involvement, providing an unprecedented window of opportunity for tackling issues through programs and projects. This report represents the World Bank's first significant contribution to Roma issues. It was written in the context of a broader study of poverty in the transitional countries and brings together the existing data to develop a picture of the poverty and human development challenges facing the Roma. It also draws upon new qualitative studies of Roma communities to bring the experiences and perspectives of Roma themselves into the discussion.