The Center for the Rights of Roma Women in Albania is awarded by the EU

The Center for Women’s Rights Rome (CWCR) and Latif Kazanxhiu were awarded the EU Prize for the Integration of Roma in Albania.

Led by Roma women, the CWCR is bringing real change. Thanks to their work, two schools dedicated to the children of the Roma community have been closed, and they have since been helped to integrate into mainstream education. They have also supported over 600 adults to continue their education, empowering Roma women to start businesses and fighting for equality in education.

For 30 years, Latif Kazanxhiu has been an advocate for the educational rights of the Roma community. From teaching children at home to creating a digital center for youth, he is breaking stereotypes and building more opportunities for his community.

According to the European Union delegation in Albania, along with inspiring initiatives from the Western Balkans and Turkey, their work is making a real impact in Roma communities—advancing inclusion, empowerment, and progress in line with the values and support of the European Union.

The award is a clear reminder that Roma citizens are an important part of the enlargement, but very often belong to the most vulnerable groups of the population.

The EU Prize recognizes the commitment of the winners to empower Roma to realize their full potential as members of society.

This year’s award highlights the importance of education as a key driver for building the resilience of Roma communities in the face of social, economic, environmental, health, and political changes and crises.

The EU Prize for the Integration of Roma in the Western Balkans and Turkey was established in 2014 to recognize the importance of integrating Roma in the EU’s enlargement partners.

The winning civil society organizations receive a monetary prize of €8,000 for the first prize and €5,000 for the second prize to continue their work in Roma education. Winners from the private and public sectors received non-monetary awards. All winners were rewarded with a study visit to Brussels, a trophy, and a prize diploma as part of the recognition for their outstanding contribution.

The 6th edition in 2025 awarded 15 winners selected from a total of 100 applications and nominations from the Western Balkans and Turkey. (April 22)