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The Roma and the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008
by Ivan Ivanov and Rupert Stock

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With European society becoming ever more multicultural, the European Parliament and the DG Culture and Education have designated 2008 the Year of Intercultural Dialogue. The Year will help to bring Europe “Together in Diversity!”, promoting active citizenship based on shared values.

Enlargement of the Union and increased mobility have led to Europeans coming into contact with a wider spectrum of cultures than ever before. A recent Eurobarometer survey found that two thirds of Europeans have interacted with someone from a different country, religion or background within the last week¹. Continued globalisation of trade, education and tourism seem likely to further this trend both within Europe and abroad.

As far as cultural life is concerned many of us appreciate such diversity. In the same survey nearly three quarters of respondents thought that people with a different background had a positive impact on their country’s cultural life [1]

Nearly a quarter however did not, giving weight to the wider concern that growing diversity could be leading to tension. Recent studies have also spotted, for example, a worrying rise in intolerance of Islam since the attacks on New York in 2001 [2] and in anti-Semitism [3] According to EU Commissioner Ján Figel’, Europe faces many significant challenges that have their roots in intercultural relations.

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 is the Commissioner’s response.

Mr Figel’, whose remit includes Education, Training, Culture and Youth, explained that “We must meet these challenges head-on, bring out the best in our continent’s cultural and religious heritage”. He went on to say, “We will only do this if we break down the barriers of ignorance through dialogue”.

This is particularly true in regard to the Roma, whose culture and history are little known or understood by their fellow citizens. The prevalence of incorrect and offensive stereotypes, too often reiterated by those who should know better, is a key factor in their negative public image. This anti-Roma sentiment leads in turn to the lack of political will to advance their cause in many areas.

The idea of promoting multiculturalism through contacts and dialogue is not new; it is also reflected in Eurobarometer’s findings. Respondents who had had contacts with people of different backgrounds within the last week were more likely to acknowledge intercultural benefits. In addition it is hoped that improving EU residents’ abilities to deal with a more open and complex society will stimulate innovation, in line with the reinvigorated Lisbon Strategy.

Themed years are not new but have been held almost annually since 1983. The two most recent such initiatives have focused on Equal Opportunities and Workers Mobility and were intended to raise public and governmental awareness on their particular themes. In the past they have proven effective in this aim. The broad level of participation within a limited time frame has contributed to harnessing political support and paving the way for wider political commitments and policy development.

While preliminary work, reports and planning of events have been taking place for about two years, 2008 will see the bulk of the activity. Actions are taking place on several levels.

The core activity at the EU level is a series of six high profile debates currently underway in Brussels. Hosted by journalist Shada Islam, high-level speakers share their views of intercultural dialogue with civil society stakeholders, the press and the public. Seven pan-European flagship events are also being held, predominantly aimed at involving European youth. The topics range from celebrating European Urban culture to artwork inspired by the experience of immigration. Live concerts, TV and radio show are planned along with a heavy complement of Internet content.

The Year of Intercultural Dialogue initiative will also be co-financing national projects from each member state. These are very diverse and range from highlighting the diversity within a state’s own culture to promoting understanding between different communities. Many more projects are receiving non-financial support.

Recognising the influence of the media on public opinion, a large slice of the budget is being spent on a cross-community media campaign. A web site has been set up to promote all of the activities and events being held as part of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Teaching materials are to be disseminated promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue both during the Year and as an outcome of certain projects. An inspiring booklet outlining best practice projects has been compiled and is freely available to inspire actions beyond the end of the Year.

Well-known good-will ambassadors, mainly from the cultural sector, have been appointed to help publicise the Year. These personalities range from rappers to conductors of classical music to cartoonists.

Finally, provision has been made for follow-up studies to assess the Year’s long-term impact. Intercultural dialogue is an ongoing process that the dedicated year is intended to kick-start.

While Brussels has been praised for attempting to tackle issues of cultural diversity, the plans have drawn certain criticism.

A chief concern is over the division of the budget. The €10 million set aside is two thirds of what was spent on the previous focus year and has been described as a small cake to share among NGOs at the national level. The decision to allow governments to distribute funds also came under fire. Other concerns relate to the naming of the year, which is described as confusing and ambiguous, and that the concept is allegedly out of step with other policies, notably competition laws.

In an interview with the EUobserver [4], Mr Bashy Quraishy, president of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) targeted his own country’s authorities for criticism: “The Danish government does not believe in interculturalism, they believe in Danish culture”. He added that they had not invited a single local NGO to discuss the activities for the year.

The impact on the Roma will be felt on several levels, although due to the limited funding direct immediate effects are unlikely to be significant.

The designation of the year has provoked the convergence of groups in international and cross-sector forums, such as the Civil Society Platform for the Year for the Intercultural Dialogue. This type of collaboration has led to policy proposals for governments and constructive self-criticism amongst NGOs. Both of these positive steps will lead to greater efficiency in the non-governmental sector.

The Year has acted as a springboard from which to launch these and other campaigns and proposals, whether they are ultimately accepted or not.

At the national level, many member states plan to use the extra funding available to support existing examples of best practice, including projects related to the Roma. The wide remit of the Year however means that the Roma will not be the only beneficiaries and as has been pointed out, there is only a small amount of cake to go around.

Real intercultural dialogue between equals would be especially beneficial for the Roma, whose culture is all too often seen as inferior. Greater understanding would reduce existing anti-Roma sentiment and so encourage better implementation of policy at the local level. While the shift in attitude will be a positive step, its extent is likely to be limited and will be hard to gauge. The significant changes needed to improve the situation of the Roma will unfortunately take longer than one Year to come about.

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