Restoring trust between Roma and non-Roma is a goal of Hungary’s nation strategy

Restoring trust between Roma and non-Roma people is a goal of Hungary’s national strategy, and culture and the arts play an essential role in this, the Minister of State for Social Affairs and Social Inclusion stressed on Wednesday in Koroncó in Győr-Moson-Sopron County.

At the opening event of the Czinka Panna Roma Cultural Association’s series of events implemented from EU funding worth HUF 50 million Károly Czibere said Roma and non-Roma people may have a genuine chance of living side by side and together if “they can lay down” the foundations of a common path which is based on dialogue, trust, inclusion and cooperation.

In order to promote this process the government has launched calls for proposals from local and EU funding. The initial allocation of HUF 1 billion has more than doubled to HUF 2.2 billion in the case of EU calls for proposals due to the interest shown by stakeholders. Thirty-three applications have been awarded funding to date, each applicant receiving grants worth HUF 30 to 50 million.

The government has a “special responsibility” for exploring and making accessible the treasures of Roma culture,

and is making every effort to integrate these resources into the knowledge and future of young people, the Minister of State stressed. He added this guarantees that a Hungary is being built which serves as “a cohesive force” for both Roma and non-Roma people from the respect of Hungary’s nation strategy.