When posted on reddit the author stated: “Not meant to offend, promote racism etc only for educational purposes”
More about the results below:
| Country | Unfavorable (%) | Favorable (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 29 | 67 |
| Netherlands | 30 | 66 |
| UK | 23 | 60 |
| Spain | 40 | 57 |
| Germany | 37 | 52 |
| France | 44 | 50 |
| Poland | 51 | 41 |
| Lithuania | 61 | 30 |
| Bulgaria | 68 | 28 |
| Czech Rep. | 66 | 27 |
| Hungary | 61 | 25 |
| Greece | 72 | 25 |
| Slovakia | 76 | 21 |
| Italy | 83 | 14 |
| Russia | 52 | 40 |
| Ukraine | 54 | 39 |
Who are the Roma?
The Roma people (often called Romani or, less accurately, Gypsies) are an ethnic group with roots in the Indian subcontinent, who migrated to Europe around a thousand years ago.
Today they live across Europe (especially in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe) and in parts of the Middle East and the Americas. They have their own languages (Romani and related dialects), cultural traditions, and often strong community networks.
Why do so many Europeans have unfavorable views of Roma?
Unfortunately, negative attitudes toward the Roma have deep historical and social roots:
Centuries of discrimination and persecution
- Since arriving in Europe, Roma communities have often been treated as outsiders.
- They faced slavery (notably in Romania until the 19th century), forced assimilation, expulsion, and targeted violence.
- In WWII, the Nazis murdered hundreds of thousands of Roma in the Porajmos (the Romani Holocaust).
Persistent stereotypes
- Many non-Roma associate them with crime, poverty, or unwillingness to integrate, often based on prejudiced narratives rather than reality.
- Media portrayal frequently reinforces negative images.
Socioeconomic marginalization
- Roma communities in many countries face high unemployment, low education access, and poor housing conditions.
- These hardships are often the result of systemic discrimination, but outsiders may see them as proof of “cultural failings.”
Visible cultural differences
- Distinct languages, traditions, nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles (in the past), and close-knit communities can make them appear “separate” from the majority population, which fuels mistrust.
Political scapegoating
- Some politicians exploit anti-Roma sentiment to rally voters, especially in times of economic or social stress.
Timeline
Here’s a brief historical timeline of Roma discrimination in Europe, showing how deep-rooted these attitudes are:
Medieval Period (11th–15th centuries)
- ~1000–1200 CE: Roma migrate from the Indian subcontinent into the Byzantine Empire, then spread through the Balkans into the rest of Europe.
- 14th–15th centuries: First written records in Western Europe describe Roma as “foreigners” or “Egyptians” (origin of the term Gypsy). Many cities and kingdoms impose restrictions, special taxes, or outright bans.
Early Modern Era (16th–18th centuries)
- 1500s–1700s: Roma are expelled from numerous territories (e.g., England, France, German states, Spain, Scandinavia).
- Slavery in Eastern Europe: In Wallachia and Moldavia (modern Romania), Roma are enslaved for centuries until abolition in the mid-1800s.
- Assimilation policies: Austria-Hungary bans Romani language and nomadic lifestyles; children are forcibly taken from parents.
19th Century
- Post-slavery marginalization: Freed Roma in Romania face poverty, landlessness, and continued prejudice.
- Industrialization era: Nomadic groups are increasingly seen as “vagrants” and criminalized under new laws.
20th Century – Early
- 1910s–1930s: Many European states enforce fingerprinting, forced settlement, and travel restrictions specifically targeting Roma.
- Rise of eugenics: Roma are labeled “racially inferior” alongside Jews and others.
World War II (1940–1945)
- The Porajmos (“Devouring”): Nazi Germany and its allies murder an estimated 220,000–500,000 Roma in concentration camps, mass shootings, and forced labor camps.
- Roma are sterilized, experimented on, and targeted for complete extermination.
Cold War Period (1945–1990)
- Eastern Bloc: Roma are officially recognized as citizens but often forced into assimilation—nomadism banned, languages suppressed, children placed in state-run schools away from families.
- Western Europe: Discrimination continues; Roma migration is restricted and settlements are often demolished.
Post-1990s to Present
- Post-Communist transitions: Economic collapse in Eastern Europe hits Roma communities hard. Unemployment, housing crises, and lack of services worsen.
- EU enlargement era: Anti-Roma rhetoric intensifies in some countries, framing Roma as “welfare abusers” or “criminals.”
- 21st century: Hate crimes, segregated schooling, and housing discrimination remain widespread despite EU anti-discrimination laws.
Approximate Roma population share by country (Europe)
(percent of total national population — estimates vary by source and year)
| Country | Estimated % Roma |
| Romania | 8.6% |
| North Macedonia | 9.6% |
| Serbia | 8.0% |
| Slovakia | 7.5% |
| Hungary | 7.0% |
| Bulgaria | 4.9% |
| Albania | 3.0% |
| Czech Republic | 2.5% |
| Greece | 1.5% |
| Spain | 1.5% |
| Turkey | 1.0% |
| France | 0.6% |
| Ukraine | 0.6% |
| Italy | 0.3% |
| Russia | 0.2% |
Note: These figures are rough estimates, often based on surveys and NGO reports. Many Roma do not self-identify in official censuses due to discrimination, so real numbers may be higher.
Y.D. Robinson says
The history of the Roma in Europe is similar in a whole number of aspects to that of the Jews in Europe (including my ancestors), even with the many differences involved.