Ciprian Necula at EU Parliament: Roma Curriculum Must Be Part of the Mainstream, Not Sideline
BRUSSELS, Belgium, April 8th – Ciprian Necula, President of the Roma Education Fund, delivered a strong message at the European Parliament during Roma Week, insisting that discussions about Roma education and curriculum development must be fully integrated into broader conversations about the future of learning for all Europeans, rather than being treated as a separate issue.
Calls for a fundamental shift in European education systems echoed through the European Parliament this week as Roma Week 2025 played host to a high-level event demanding the meaningful integration of Roma history and culture into national school curricula. The conference, co-organized by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) and the European Roma Grassroots Organisations Network (ERGO), convened key stakeholders to address persistent gaps in inclusive education.
Hosted by European Parliament Vice-President Nicolae Ștefănuță, the session brought together a diverse array of voices, including representatives from national ministries, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, alongside academics and members of the Roma community. The aim was clear: to analyze past experiences, identify successful models, and forge new alliances to build truly inclusive educational frameworks across the continent.
In a compelling address, part of the “Alliances for Inclusive School Curricula” panel, Ciprian Necula, president of the Roma Education Fund, argued that the development of educational curricula is intrinsically linked to societal values and priorities. He asserted that discussions surrounding Roma Education should not be siloed but rather embedded within a wider debate about the future direction of learning for all European citizens.
“Roma curricula should not be isolated but integrated into a larger conversation about the future of education for all. This future education needs to align with the evolving cultural, political, and social landscape, heavily influenced by social media and artificial intelligence,” Necula stated, emphasizing the need for education to adapt to contemporary realities.
Drawing on his own experience of belatedly learning about Roma slavery during his university years, Necula underscored the critical importance of incorporating often-overlooked historical narratives into mainstream education. He then presented a striking example from the Toflea (Galați) community in Romania, a Roma-majority village boasting a significant number of university graduates and thriving professionals. Necula highlighted that the local school in Toflea, despite serving a predominantly Roma population, is providing high quality education. This success, he argued, stems from strong community engagement and supplementary educational initiatives focusing on crucial soft skills, digital literacy, Roma history, and broader universal knowledge – areas frequently absent from standard curricula.
Ciprian Necula contended that the Toflea example demonstrates the potential for Roma students to flourish when offered quality education and adequate support. He challenged the notion that segregation is the primary obstacle, suggesting that positive educational outcomes should be the central focus.
Expanding on the philosophy of the Roma Education Fund, Necula emphasized that education should not be viewed as an end in itself but as a vital tool for achieving broader societal goals. These goals, he argued, align with core European values, encompassing practical skills, environmental awareness, social cohesion, and, crucially, the development of a strong sense of self. He stressed the psychological importance of self-awareness for personal growth and societal contribution. Furthermore, Necula pointed to the necessity of aligning vocational training with the demands of the modern labor market, cautioning against educational paths leading to limited employment opportunities.
Concluding his remarks, Necula advocated for the full inclusion of Roma voices in all discussions concerning curriculum development. He warned against the counterproductive nature of separate dialogues, arguing that isolating the Roma education agenda perpetuates a form of segregation that ultimately hinders genuine progress and inclusion. His message resonated with the urgency of Roma Week, underscoring the need for systemic change to ensure that Roma history and culture are not just footnotes but integral parts of Europe’s educational landscape.
Ciprian Necula is the chairman of the board of the Roma Education Fund.
