Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Ognyan Isaev: The conversation about the place of Roma in Bulgarian society has not yet taken place

Ognyan Isaev
Photo: Irina Nedeva

The path to the economic prosperity of the Roma people goes through cultural legitimacy, says Ognyan Isaev, director of the Educational Opportunities and Achievements Program at the Trust for Social Achievement, on the occasion of International Romani Day – April 8. According to him, the important conversation about the place of Roma children and Roma professionals, not only in the labor market but also in Bulgarian culture and politics, has yet to take place in the country.

According to Ognyan Isaev, when discussions are held about the Roma, the main focus is on their employment and economic well-being. "Beyond these priorities, which concern state officials, there are people living with their own values and culture, but over time, these important elements on which the Roma build their lives have been left off the state agenda", emphasized Ognyan Isaev.

Over the past 15 years, the message has been that the Roma are a huge untapped economic potential, the expert added. Ognyan Isaev believes that investment should be made in modernizing the Roma community, ensuring that all Roma children have an equal chance for success.

Currently, Roma people work in sectors that do not require high qualifications. Unemployment among the community is 5%-10%, and between 40% and 50% of them already work in Western Europe, where their economic well-being has improved significantly, Ognyan Isaev said further.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Yellow code for heat in all plains in the country

On Saturday , the lowest temperatures will be between 15 and 23°C. In Sofia - about 18°C. During the day, it will be sunny and hot again. It will be less hot by the sea. There will be light easterly wind. The highest temperatures..

published on 7/4/25 7:30 PM

President Radev thanked Oman for their help in freeing the crew of the Galaxy Leader

Bulgaria appreciates Oman's important role in de-escalating tensions and achieving stability and lasting peace in the region. This is according to Head of State Rumen Radev. He awarded the Presidential Medal of Honour to the visiting Omani Foreign..

published on 7/4/25 6:10 PM

Kozloduy NPP operation unhindered by the low water levels in the Danube

In recent weeks, the low level of the Danube has not impacted the normal operation of Bulgaria's sole nuclear power plant, Kozloduy, which comprises two units. This information was announced in a press release by the plant. On 4 July 2025, the..

published on 7/4/25 5:34 PM