Roma Civil Sector Platform

Slovakia faces a profound structural paradox regarding the inclusion and empowerment of Roma communities. On one hand, the state has an unprecedented financial allocation of approximately EUR 907 million available through Programme Slovakia (2021-2027). On the other hand, it encounters a critical deficit in absorption, expert, and monitoring capacities within civil society. The Roma-led and pro-Roma CSO sector suffers from extreme fragmentation, a lack of coordination, and chronic underfunding, leading to its systemic exclusion from public policy and decision-making processes.

The current situation exhibits severe signs of a democratic deficit. Organizations operate as isolated "islands of expertise" without a shared, legitimate mandate or a structured flow of information. This isolation makes unified, effective advocacy towards the state practically impossible. This structural challenge is further exacerbated by the phenomenon of "mental segregation", persistent mutual distrust, a retreat into strictly local agendas, and a broader resignation regarding nationwide societal impact. The most glaring manifestation of this fragmented state is the absolute absence of an independent, evidence-based civic watchdog mechanism. There is no structured oversight monitoring the utilisation of public resources and the implementation of policies specifically targeting marginalized Roma communities.

CSOs currently lack the institutional capacities and financial resources to systematically hold state institutions accountable for systemic failures, even though grassroots demand for transparency is enormous. Without an independent, professionally accepted umbrella entity to unify this diverse voice, there is no legitimate partner capable of generating cohesive expert statements and systematically pushing for the effective use of EU structural funds. The sector's urgent demand for this is evidenced by 13 signed Letters of Intent from key CSOs.

The primary goal of this 20-month project is to build the functional core of a sustainable Roma civil society platform. To achieve this, the project implements a carefully sequenced set of activities designed to transform grassroots demand into a professional network.

First, we will conduct comprehensive mapping of actors, expertise, and representation in advisory bodies, paired with a capacity and needs assessment to ensure the platform is built on actual demand. This is followed by an institutional kick-off phase, where an expert facilitator will guide the participatory creation of a shared Charter of Values and a democratic governance model, specifically utilizing a rotating presidency to prevent power concentration. Throughout the project, we will establish a secure digital infrastructure for continuous coordination and hold 20 regular networking meetings (combining online and regional in-person formats) to build trust and facilitate peer-learning among CSOs.

A key activity is strategic planning via thematic workshops, resulting in the direct output of the "Roma Resilience and Dignity Plan in Slovak Society". This data-driven document will translate community needs into concrete policy targets for upcoming EU funding cycles.

Furthermore, the project focuses on joint advocacy, aiming to produce and submit at least 8 high-quality policy briefs and official statements to strategic government documents. To address the monitoring gap, we will design a pilot civic watchdog methodology focused on marginalized groups and publish 1 pilot watchdog report evaluating specific state interventions.

Finally, the project includes targeted capacity-building activities, such as regional mini-trainings and a clinic, to support smaller grassroots CSOs. By the end of project (the latest) these combined efforts will culminate in the creation of the platform as an independent entity, ensuring its long-term operational sustainability.

The project aims to achieve a systemic transformation within the non-governmental sector, shifting it from a highly fragmented and competitive environment to a unified, cooperative, and professional ecosystem.

The primary direct beneficiaries are CSOs, both established and emerging grassroots Roma-led and pro-Roma entities, along with their individual staff members (participation on the Platform is voluntary). By establishing a shared network, the project will significantly enhance their internal capacities, networking and advocacy skills, and analytical capabilities.

A special emphasis is placed on empowering vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, specifically by systematically developing the capacities of Roma women leaders from various regions, integrating them into the platform's decision-making and peer-learning structures. This ensures that grassroots perspectives directly inform national strategies. For these CSO beneficiaries, the outcome is the creation of a legitimate, independent umbrella organization capable of providing legal, administrative, and strategic support. The project will successfully unify at least 10 key organizations under a shared mandate, verified by a climate thermometer tool measuring partnership health.

The secondary beneficiaries are public administration bodies, including state institutions, regional municipalities, and European Union agencies. For them, the project delivers a highly competent, predictable, and data-driven partner for structured dialogue. By producing the "Roma Resilience and Dignity Plan in Slovak Society" and launching the first independent watchdog framework, the platform will elevate the quality of public discourse. State institutions will benefit from receiving consolidated, evidence-based policy briefs rather than fragmented complaints.

Ultimately, the project will legitimize the Roma civic sector, transforming it into an indispensable, respected actor shaping inclusive public policies for Roma communities.