CEB partners with REDI to promote Roma entrepreneurship and inclusion
We support the inclusion of the Roma community, Europe’s largest ethnic minority group, through a range of initiatives. These efforts aim to empower Roma individuals by promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing employment opportunities and fostering social integration.
Currently only 43% of Roma individuals aged 20-64 are in paid work[1]. However, the EU Roma framework strives to increase this figure to at least 60% by 2030. Research conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) further highlights that 33% of Roma individuals aged 16 and above have encountered ethnicity-based discrimination while seeking employment within the past year.
Supporting Roma entrepreneurs
One organization at the forefront of Roma inclusion in Europe is the Roma Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (REDI), a non-governmental organisation that aims to provide access to affordable finance and provide technical assistance to Roma entrepreneurs.
Initially founded in Romania, REDI is now active in other countries in Central, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, assisting Roma businesses in adapting to the digital transition (REDI Digital Boost), or providing guidance and resources for Roma individuals aiming to establish and develop their own businesses (REDI Business Club).
“Growing up in a Roma community back in Romania really shaped who I am. Even though my education and career took me to Western Europe, my heart’s never left home,” says Petrică Dulgheru, Chairman of the Board of REDI, recalling how the initiative came to life.
“It bothered me that many of my childhood friends were poorer than their parents used to be. I have helped out where I could, but it hit me that one-off efforts weren’t enough.
REDI is about lifting up the entire community, and creating an interlocutor/ecosystem that can become a partner to the EC or EU and empower economically whole communities, not just the people that know me.”
In 2022, the CEB signed a €3 million loan with REDI, aimed at improving access to funding for entrepreneurs within Roma communities in four countries on the Balkans: Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.
The project is currently in progress. REDI is in the forefront in the cooperation with other microfinance institutions in the region who help identify and attract Roma businesses i.e. Microcredit Foundation Horizonti, Patria Credit FIN, FAER, Vitas an Mikro Kapital.
Success stories
The impact of REDI initiatives is evident through inspiring success stories. For instance, in Serbia, Dalibor and Aleksandra Damnjanović, owners of Padrini Pizza, sought support from the REDI’s Business Club to fulfil their dream of owning a restaurant. Having achieved success, they now give back to the programme by offering training for young Roma in their restaurant.
Similarly, in Romania, the Digital Boost programme proved instrumental in helping Traian Căldărar expand his coppersmith business into the digital realm during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging resources from REDI, Traian has become a popular influencer across social media platforms.
Partnering for impact
Beyond providing financial support, REDI also offers valuable legal assistance and networking opportunities to empowering entrepreneurial endeavours. Malikowsky Couture in North Macedonia is an example of a newly established business that greatly benefited from REDI’s support. With their assistance, this fashion brand inspired by traditional Roma attire successfully unveiled a debut fashion collection in 2021 and received multiple regional awards.
Nadejda Grochkova Leruste, CEB Country Manager on this project, commented: “Working with REDI has been an eye-opening experience. It proves that, with the right support, which is holistic and sustained, marginalised individuals will find their path to success, creating a virtuous cycle for the integration and prosperity of the Roma community. We are very proud to be partners to REDI and support the agenda of Roma integration which is at the heart of CEB’s mission to foster social cohesion.”
“Getting REDI off the ground wasn’t a walk in the park,” said Petrică Dulgheru. “Lots of people talked about wanting to help but shied away when it came to actually investing.
CEB was the game-changer. They told us, ‘We’re in this for the long haul, risks and all but we want REDI to succeed.’
That’s what I call a real impact investor: someone who gets the mission and is willing to take some risks to make a lasting difference.”
Continued commitment to Roma inclusion
For over two decades, the CEB has actively supported social inclusion efforts for Roma communities across its member states. Recent initiatives include a €1 million loan for the Microcredit Foundation Horizonti and the HERO (Housing and Empowerment for Roma) project.
HERO, launched in collaboration with the European Parliament and European Commission, aims to empower individuals from marginalised Roma communities in Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia by providing education in financial and construction skills, as well as improving access to employment and micro-loans.
The CEB’s dedication to Roma inclusion aligns with its Strategic Framework for 2023-2027 and its mission to invest in people, and enhance human capital. By fostering entrepreneurship, improving employment prospects, and promoting social integration, the CEB plays a vital role in ensuring a more inclusive and prosperous future for Europe’s Roma population.
[1] Roma in 10 European countries. Main results - ROMA SURVEY 2021 (europa.eu)