KethaNETWORK

Implementation period: 01.01.2026 – 28.02.2027

Reference number: 101249343

Programme: CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme

Project coordinator: Somnakuno Drom Roma Noi Civil Egyesulet (Hungary)

Partners: ASOCIATIA NEVO PARUDIMOS (Romania), RIBALTAMBICAO – Associação para a Igualdade de Género nas Comunidades Ciganas (Portugal), Romske Srdcia-Romane Jile (Slovakia), Opština Kanjiža (Serbia), Roma Choris Synora (Greece)

Project budget: EUR 211,425

The KethaNETWORK – Together: European Network for Roma Inclusion and Building Intercultural Understanding project brings together a network of cities and organisations from Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, Serbia, Greece, and Romania committed to combating discrimination against Roma communities and promoting inclusive, tolerant, and equitable societies.

The initiative aims to strengthen intercultural dialogue among citizens, improve communication and cooperation between local authorities and Roma communities, and increase mutual trust and active civic participation. The project addresses the need to reduce the social and institutional barriers that affect Roma people’s access to public services and their participation in community life.

KethaNETWORK seeks to generate meaningful change by developing intercultural competences, promoting social inclusion, and creating cooperation mechanisms between local authorities, experts, and Roma communities. The project also promotes gender equality and tackles multiple forms of discrimination, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Roma women in accessing public services and participating in local decision-making processes.

Aim and objectives

The main aim of the project is to develop a European cooperation network that promotes Roma inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and active citizen participation at both local and European levels.

Objectives:

• Reduce discrimination and stereotypes against Roma communities.
• Increase dialogue and cooperation between local authorities and Roma communities.
• Strengthen the intercultural competences of municipal staff and local stakeholders.
• Promote civic participation and representation of Roma communities in decision-making processes.
• Foster the exchange of good practices and transnational cooperation among partner organisations.
• Promote gender equality and combat multiple forms of social exclusion.
• Create sustainable platforms for dialogue and collaboration between citizens, experts, and public institutions.

Main activities

• Organising five intercultural training sessions aimed at increasing awareness and strengthening intercultural competences.
• Organising five forums dedicated to Roma rights and representation.
• Implementing a participatory World Café event to encourage community dialogue and engagement.
• Organising dialogue sessions involving municipalities, experts, and Roma community representatives on integration and intercultural cooperation.
• Organising an international conference including training workshops, networking sessions, and exchanges of good practices.
• Organising storytelling sessions, round tables, and expert panels focused on social inclusion and combating discrimination.
• Strengthening cooperation among partner cities and organisations through exchanges of experience and innovative strategies for Roma inclusion.

Expected results

• Increased intercultural understanding and tolerance within participating communities.
• Improved relationships between local administrations and Roma communities.
• Increased civic participation and representation of Roma people in community and institutional decision-making processes.
• Enhanced capacity of organisations and municipalities to implement inclusive policies and practices.
• Development of a sustainable European cooperation network for Roma inclusion.
• Creation of intercultural dialogue models and tools that can be replicated in other European communities.
• Increased awareness of discrimination and social barriers faced by Roma communities, particularly Roma women.

The project is funded by the European Union through the CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme.