Erasmus+ projects are grounded in cooperation, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge. When it comes to promoting Roma civic engagement and participation, working within a consortium is not only beneficial, but essential. Roma communities live in many different countries across Europe, and while they share common historical and cultural roots, they are not homogeneous. Each community has its own specific context, yet the challenges they face—and the opportunities they can build upon—often follow similar patterns across national borders.
By working together in a consortium, partners can draw on diverse experiences and perspectives, ensuring that the project addresses these issues from a European rather than a purely national angle. This makes it possible to identify shared challenges, such as discrimination, underrepresentation, or barriers to participation, while also highlighting and transferring good practices and positive experiences that can inspire change across different contexts. The collaborative approach strengthens the relevance and sustainability of project outcomes and ensures they can be adapted to the realities of Roma communities throughout Europe.
A consortium also enables the sharing of responsibilities and resources, increasing efficiency and creating space for more inclusive solutions. By pooling expertise—from research and training to community engagement and policy advocacy—partners can build a stronger foundation for promoting Roma participation at local, national, and European levels. Moreover, this cross-border cooperation reflects a wider societal reality: while Roma communities may be dispersed across Europe, societies often respond to minorities in similar ways, and collective learning is key to designing effective, inclusive strategies.
Ultimately, the consortium model is not just about implementing a project—it is about creating lasting networks of cooperation. These networks continue beyond the project lifetime, fostering dialogue, solidarity, and innovation that contribute to a more inclusive Europe where Roma voices are heard and civic participation is strengthened
In this project, seven organizations from six countries worked toward a common goal.
