TIRANA, April 11 /ATA/ The European Union Delegation in Tirana extended its congratulations to the Center for Roma Women’s Rights(QDGR) and Latif Kazanxhi for receiving the EU Prize for Roma Integration in Albania.
Led by Roma women, RWRC is making real change—closing segregated schools, helping kids join mainstream education, and supporting 600+ adults to continue learning. They’re also empowering women to launch businesses and pushing for equal rights in education.
For 30 years, Latif Kazanxhiu has been defender of Roma education rights. From teaching kids at home to creating a digital hub for youth, he’s breaking barriers and building opportunities for his community.
Alongside inspiring initiatives from the Western Balkans and Türkiye, their work is making a real difference in Roma communities, advancing inclusion, empowerment, and progress in line with EU values and support.
Along with inspiring initiatives from the Western Balkans and Turkey, their work is delivering a real impact on Roma communities—advancing inclusion, empowerment, and progress in line with the values and support of the European Union.
The European Commission announced the 15 winners of the 6th edition of the EU Prize for the Integration of Roma in the Western Balkans and Turkey.
This year’s prize recognizes achievements that promote the integration of Roma through education.
The award ceremony took place on April 10 as part of the EU Roma Week 2025 (April 7-10).
The prize serves as a clear reminder that Roma citizens are an important part of enlargement, but are often among the most vulnerable groups in society.
Addressing this situation and introducing remedies that support the integration of Roma citizens is a key part of the Commission’s work, and this award is a clear example that progress is possible.
More specifically, the EU prize acknowledges the winners’ commitment to empowering Roma to fully utilize their potential as members of society.
This year’s prize highlights the importance of education as a key driver in building the resilience of Roma communities in the face of social, economic, environmental, health, and political changes and crises.
Education fosters trust and a sense of belonging, encourages active participation within communities, and serves as a catalyst for growth and development.
The award ceremony was preceded by a debate on the importance of quality and inclusive education, with the participation of Ciprian Necula, President of the Roma Education Fund of the Open Society Foundations, Vesna Dzuteska-Bisheva, UNDP representative responsible for inclusive growth, Gabriela Hrabanova, Director of the ERGO Network, and Nesime Salioska, a former award winner.
The EU Prize for the Integration of Roma in the Western Balkans and Turkey was established in 2014 to recognize the importance of Roma integration in the EU’s enlargement partners.
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