The Unión
Romaní (Unión de los Gitanos Españoles) announced
the 1st European Congress of Gypsy Youth, to take place in Barcelona,
Spain, 6-9 November 1997, at the Palace of Expositions and Congresses.
About 300 young Roma (Gypsies), between 16 and 30 years old, are expected
to attend.
The European Commission
shares the idea that young European Roma should meet to talk about their
present situation and to better prepare for their future. The meeting will
be sponsored by the European Commission, and is supported by the Department
of Welfare of the Generalitat, the autonomous Government of Catalonia.
The organization of the Congress has been entrusted to the Unión
Romaní and the Federation of Gypsy Associations of Catalonia (FAGiC).
The working languages at the Congress will be Catalan, Spanish, English,
French, and Romanes. Simultaneous translation will be available in these
languages.
The works of the Congress will be complemented
with expositions of the most characteristic accomplishments of the European
Roma and the sessions will end with cultural presentations of the Roma
of each country.
On the last day of the Congress an exhibition will present works of
European Romani art. There will also be performances of Gitano music, dance
and song.
All Roma youth, ages 16 to 30, are invited to attend.
The following countries will be represented: Albania, Austria, Belgium,
Bosnia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.
The following dignitaries are expected to attend
the 1st European Congress of Gypsy Youth:
- HRH, the Prince of Spain
- President of the European Council in Luxembourg
- President of the Government of Catalonia
- Minister of Social Affairs, Government of Spain
- European Commissioner of Education, Training and Youth, Edith Cresson
- President of the European Parliament
- Mayor of Barcelona
- Secretary General, Social Affairs, Government of Spain
- Counselor of Welfare of the Government of Catalonia
- Director General of Youth, Government of Spain