A Reproduction of Marginalization? Roma Refugees Fleeing Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has caused one of the largest exoduses within Europe, with the number of Ukrainians displaced far exceeding the number involved in the 2015 refugee crisis. Since February 2022, more than 7 million Ukrainians have sought protection in other countries in Europe. International, EU, and national agencies have mobilized massive resources to provide support for the displaced: The EU activated the Temporary Protection Directive, and, as part of the Regional Refugee Response plan, UN, state agencies, and civil society organizations work together on coordinating and implementing international and national protection strategies.

The experience of the past two and a half years indicates that historically marginalized social groups among displaced Ukrainians have not adequately benefited from the mobilized resources and exemplary solidarity in response to the crisis. This is particularly evident in the situation of Roma refugees, who, due to their marginalized social status, have arrived in EU countries in a position of heightened vulnerability that demands complex and systematic policy interventions. However, they are often excluded from meaningful assistance and are among the first to be left out as member states restrict access to their support measures.

Looking at the cases of Hungary and Poland, this discussion will explore how policy responses and actions toward refugees from Ukraine reproduce the marginalization of Roma. It will assess EU protection frameworks and member-state responses to Roma and refugee populations, and it will examine state and nonstate measures and social dynamics in Hungary and Poland that particularly affect the situation of Ukrainian Roma refugees. Drawing on the lessons learned from the last two and a half years, the discussion will discuss recommendations regarding policies and support mechanisms to address and dismantle processes of exclusion that affect Roma refugees.

For more information, please contact Monika Dlugosch ([email protected]).

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) is a nonpartisan policy organization committed to the idea that the United States and Europe are stronger together.