English edition: Key Considerations for the Prevention and Reduction of Statelessness among Roma in the Western Balkans: regional challenges and action areas This document was produced with the financial support of the European Union and the Council of Europe. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author(s). Views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the Council of Europe. Roma Integration Phase III is a Joint Programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe. It aims to strengthen the capacity of governments in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Roma community through the implementation of comprehensive public policies. These policies cover critical areas such as housing, employment, population registration, as well as the green and digital transition. This policy paper is a key output of Roma Integration Phase III concerning the prevention and reduction of Roma statelessness in the Western Balkans. This research was conducted by the European Network on Statelessness in partnership with seven of its member organisations during the period June 2024 to June 2025. The project partners were Tirana Legal Aid Society and Roma Active Albania in Albania, Association Vaşa Prava BiH in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Roma Versitas Kosovo* in Kosovo, Phiren Amenca – Walk with Us in Montenegro, Macedonian Young Lawyers Association in North Macedonia, and Praxis in Serbia. This synthesised regional report along with six other reports were presented at an event in Podgorica in May 2025. The European Network on Statelessness was awarded a grant in the framework of the Roma Integration Phase III to conduct this regional report. The reproduction of extracts (up to 500 words) is authorised, except for commercial purposes as long as the integrity of the text is preserved, the excerpt is not used out of context, does not provide incomplete information or does not otherwise mislead the reader as to the nature, scope or content of the text. The source text must always be acknowledged as follows “© Council of Europe, 2025”. All other requests concerning the reproduction/translation of all or part of the document, should be addressed to the Publications and Visual Identity Division, Council of Europe (F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex or publishing@coe.int). All other correspondence concerning this document should be addressed to the Roma and Travellers Division of the Council of Europe. Cover design and layout: Kata Jovancic Council of Europe – Roma and Travellers Division Rue de l’Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex E-mail: roma.team@coe.int Photo: Council of Europe, Roma Integration Phase III © Council of Europe, July 2025. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.