The Romdiem International Symposium
27 January 2026 | Thessaloniki, Greece
On 27 January 2026, the ROMDIEM International Symposium was successfully held in Thessaloniki, Greece, bringing together 104 participants from multiple European countries in a one-day in situ event dedicated to the remembrance of the Roma Holocaust.
Organised within the framework of the ROMDIEM project, the symposium took place on the European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Holocaust, reinforcing its symbolic and educational significance. The event aimed to raise awareness about the Roma Holocaust — a chapter of European history that remains underrepresented in public memory, education systems, and mainstream historical narratives.
An International Platform for Dialogue and Reflection
The symposium gathered researchers, historians, Roma community representatives, educators, civil society organisations, students, policymakers, and media professionals. Participants engaged in open dialogue, exchange of experiences, and collaborative reflection on how Roma Holocaust remembrance is addressed across European Union Member States.
A highlight of the symposium was the presentation of a documentary created by a Greek school on the Roma Holocaust. The documentary was showcased as a best practice example of engaging students of all ages in historical learning through a “learning by doing” methodology. By combining research, storytelling, and audiovisual production, students actively explored their own history and contributed to preserving collective memory through creative expression.
This initiative demonstrated how experiential learning can foster critical thinking, empathy, and active citizenship.
The symposium received strong media attention. It was promoted through social media, online platforms, radio, and television. The 100TV Channel attended the event and conducted interviews with consortium partners and participants, highlighting the importance of recognising and commemorating the Roma Holocaust. Additional interviews were conducted for broadcast on Slovak radio, further extending the event’s international visibility.
During the symposium, a podcast series titled “Memory in 3 Minutes: Roma Voices on Remembrance” was recorded, capturing reflections and key messages from participants. These recordings contribute to the project’s ongoing dissemination and awareness-raising efforts.
The ROMDIEM International Symposium strengthened transnational cooperation, enhanced dialogue between academia and Roma communities, and contributed to a more inclusive understanding of European historical memory. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the event reinforced the importance of recognising the Roma Holocaust within European remembrance frameworks.
The symposium marks an important milestone in the ROMDIEM project’s mission to preserve testimonies, promote inclusive education, and foster awareness across Europe.
Romdiem Symposium Podcasts!!!
Podcast Series: Memory in 3 Minutes – Roma Voices on Remembrance
During the ROMDIEM International Symposium, a short podcast series titled “Memory in 3 Minutes – Roma Voices on Remembrance” was created to capture key reflections from participants. Through brief and impactful recordings, scholars, educators, Roma representatives, and stakeholders shared their perspectives on the importance of recognising and remembering the Roma Holocaust.
The podcast series aims to make remembrance accessible to wider audiences by presenting powerful messages in a concise and engaging format. It serves as a digital extension of the symposium, amplifying voices, promoting awareness, and strengthening the visibility of Roma historical memory across Europe.
