Valeriu Nicolae
is founder and president of the Policy Centre for Roma and Minorities in Bucharest. His book, We are the Roma! One Thousand Years of Discrimination was published by Seagull Books in 2012.
Eurozine Articles
Euro-Narnia and the Queen of Roma
Roma activist Valeriu Nicolae departs for Euro-Narnia, a parallel world ruled over by the mighty Baroslan whose inhabitants discuss in strange and wonderful terms remedies for the Roma problem. But what is the role of the Queen in all of this? [more]
The ugly game
UEFA's recent condemnation of the racist fans of Steaua Bucharest was the most powerful statement ever issued by a European institution against anti-Gypsyism and had a positive echo in the Romanian press. So why do EU bodies fail to take a similar stance? [more]
Romania: Why corruption will last
The presidential referendum controversy represents an all-time low for post-communist Romanian politics, writes Valeriu Nicolae. Corruption isn't likely to disappear any time soon, since an honest political elite working to reform society would lead to a collapse of the entire system. [more]
Roma inclusion: Up to the majority
Profound lack of political accountability towards Roma constituencies plays into the hands of populist Roma politicians. Real inclusion will happen only when majorities stop expecting Roma leaders to solve what is a majority problem: European anti-Gypsyism. [more]
Change must start from within
Roma integration: EU rhetoric and institutional reality
European members are now answerable to the European Commission regarding the integration of Roma. But what are the chances of national policies succeeding if structural anti-Roma racism exists within European institutions themselves? [more]
The enemy within
Roma, the media and hate speech
Despite European Union legislation on the subject, Europe's Roma remain the victim of discrimination and abuse. In Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, not to mention Italy, it is the media that more often than not instigate the witch hunts. [more]
On France, Gobineau, colonialism and the Roma
Attempts by successive French governments to deal with Roma migrants smacks of colonial racism, argues Valeriu Nicolae. Deportation will not solve anything; the problems that exist in Roma settlements are the result of decades of indifference. [more]
Fourth arm of the state
Romania's media is a willing partner in the perpetuation of racism, prejudice, and discrimination. [more]


















