Roma Civil Society: Deliberative Democracy for Change in Europe

This paper focuses on the potential for deliberation and partnership between Roma communities and Roma civil society, national governments and European institutions and the research community. The authors argue that inclusive community development can have transformative potential by promoting a ‘Social Europe’, a vision of society based on solidarity, equality, social justice and internationalism. It is hoped that the paper will facilitate discussion in the lead up to a conference on Roma Empowerment to be held in Budapest on 31 May 2013, which will be hosted by the Corvinus University, University of Bristol and Roma civil society groups including the Roma Education Fund.