One of the multiple difficulties/challenges faced by Roma in Europe is the lack of political & decision-making participation (including representation), civic engagement & electoral participation, despite strong EU efforts and strategies

As identified in CoE’s “Strategic Action Plan for Roma and Traveller Inclusion 2020 2025”, Roma participation in political & public life has increased, but does not yet adequately reflect the demographic weight of Roma communities. Evidence has

shown that Roma, especially women & young people [R.Y.], face a variety of social barriers & prejudices that seriously impede their ability to participate effectively in public & political life. Consequently, they are largely absent from local or national political arenas and decision-making processes that affect them (CoE,2020). According to the FRA’s 2021 survey of 5 MSs, from Roma respondents 16-24 y.o: only 23% stated that they are interested in politics. only 20% stated that they voted in municipal elections, only 15% participated in political activities while 57% faced barriers to their participation in civic life. Roma political participation is not only lagging both at national & EU level, as only 3 Roma representatives are elected to

the European Parliament. This invisibility undermines their potential to reverse embedded marginalisation and discrimination.

Ο2.1. Strengthen the knowledge, skills & methods of Youth Workers (Y.W) & Young Roma (R.Y)

Ο2.2. Improve Roma Youth’s knowledge & skills on policy-making at local/national level

Ο2.3. Raise awareness of Roma Youth (R.Y) & Youth Workers (Y.W) on methodologies processes & opportunities

promoting political participation

O2.4 Improve & develop innovative methodologies for coop between the 2target groups & Policy Makers

O3.1 Develop & pilot a BL training program in policy making for Roma Youth (R.Y) through art

O3.2 Develop & pilot a digital toolbox for R.Y for developing short films on Roma challenges & policy changes

O3.3 Develop skills of R.Y on policy making at local/national level & creating short films on challenges & policy changes

O4.1 Empower & Practice of R.Y on dialogue & monitoring on policy measures issues at local/national level

O4.2 Highlight the needs, challenges, point of view of Roma on policy design & implementation at local/national level

O4.3 Empower, motivate & involve R.Y & their proposals in the consultation & policy making in their countries

O5.1 Raise awareness of Roma on the need for the participation of R.Y in policy making processes

O5.2 Promote further adoption & use of newly developed opportunities, tools & materials

O5.3 Raise public awareness about the project results

Ašun me will create new innovative tools& online resources on:

1. a) the methodologies & practices of R.Y to Y.W collaboration for synergy with Policy Makers at local/national level
2. b) innovative training of R.Y. through art in advocacy, policy monitoring & making
3. c) toolbox & training of R.Y. in short film making to highlight needs, challenges & policy changes
4. d) participation of R.Y in digital roundtables & collaboration with Policy makers
5. e) the digital collection & submission of proposals for policy change & measures

2. Ašun me will use unique USER-LED methodology, where 90 R.Y & 90 Y.W will participate in needs mapping, developing methodologies for coop, 96 R.Y & Y.W will pilot the methodology, while 90 R.Y will pilot & feedback the training program & Toolbox, in parallel 60 R.Y will participate along with 30 Policy makers in the Digital Roundtables, compile the Digital Booklet & submit proposed changes to relevant authorities. This methodology ensures co-creation & inclusiveness based on the real needs and realities of TGs

3. The digital outputs will have a wide impact outside the participating countries through free, online access at EU level

4. The project will be delivered directly to DE, EL, ES, RO, IE & MK allowing the emergence of comparative results for future Erasmus and scientific learning. These will be published on social media & websites of the organisations involved and will reach almost 50,000 organisations and individuals