Roma and the Transition in Central and Eastern Europe: Trends and Challenges

The situation of the Roma (or gypsies) in Central and Eastern Europe is one of the most challenging issues to emerge during the transition from socialism. As the socialist regimes collapsed and a free market economy was introduced, economic opportunities increased. However, job security and housing deteriorated. While political participation throughout the population surged, so did ethnic tension, which put the Roma, an already threatened minority, at even greater risk. Since they have always been mobile, the Romas do not constitute a large number in any one country, but as the Iron Curtain fell, their correspondence across borders swelled and attracted interest in their plight. 'Roma and the Transition in Central and Eastern Europe' discusses issues facing Roma in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech and Slovak Republics. It provides the historical context and background, presents the available evidence on welfare status and living conditions, looks at issues surrounding access to social services, and discusses the policy implications concerning Roma.