#Netherlands #The Hague #Roma Embassy #Diplomatic Relations #Roma Community

The Inauguration of the Roma Embassy in The Hague

On January 21, 2026, a historic milestone was achieved with the official establishment of the United Roma Tribes Embassy in The Hague. This momentous event was marked by the signing of a notarial deed, laying the foundation for the embassy as a vital platform for cultural, social, economic, and humanitarian cooperation within existing legal frameworks.

Four months following the Proclamation from Haarlem, representatives of the Roma community have taken a crucial step towards developing a sovereign, non-territorial Roma state. This first official meeting was held at the residence of De Rode Olifant in The Hague, where board members and invited guests gathered to witness the signing of the Hague Proclamation. The embassy is structured as a foundation, focusing on promoting mutual understanding, combating stereotypes, and preserving Roma identity as an intangible cultural heritage.

Aleksandar Gavrilovic, the initiator and treasurer, emphasized that this is more than just a symbolic state; it functions within the legal parameters of the countries where Roma reside. Not designed for political or territorial claims, the embassy aims to foster dialogue and connections that include education, cultural preservation, and accurate representation of the Roma community. The objectives outlined in the Hague Proclamation underscore these principles, providing a clear definition of the embassy's role and positioning.

Representing a new generation of Roma, Esmeralda Hrustic, a young Roma woman and notary trainee, has been elected chair of the embassy by the Roma community. She stated, “I believe it’s important to show that women and young people can take on these roles. With this initiative, we are making a step that has not yet been taken. I’m proud to be part of this.”

From The Hague, plans are underway to carefully develop and connect initiatives in other countries, with the Netherlands serving as a stable base for international coordination and cooperation. Gavrilovic expressed gratitude for the opportunities presented, indicating the Netherlands' support in fostering this development.

Secretary Orhan Galjus shared his enthusiasm, noting the presence of various Dutch entrepreneurs and supporters at the meeting who trust in the Roma initiative. He described the event as a historic occasion, marking a new way for Roma to connect with the world.

External partners highlighted the significance of establishing the Roma embassy. Adriaan Kamphorst from Royal Joh. Enschedé, known for producing high-security printed materials, emphasized the need for an official and recognizable point of contact for governments. “We sincerely hope this will be a great success for all Roma tribes, granting them the recognition they deserve,” he explained.

The future will see efforts to build diplomatic relationships through the Roma embassy, strengthen partnerships within the Roma ecosystem, and carefully develop the introduction of a digital and physical Roma membership. This membership will allow individuals to affirm and visibly demonstrate their cultural ties and heritage. A crucial focus will include assisting stateless individuals and those whose status within national administrative systems needs accurate representation in countries where Roma live as a diaspora.

The first diplomatic milestone was reached in October 2025 with the proclamation of a sovereign, non-territorial Roma state, following the earlier Proclamation from Haarlem. This initiative marks a significant leap towards the recognition and empowerment of Roma communities and paves the way for enhanced diplomatic relations and cultural exchange in the future.