Roma in Kosovo - Subgroups

Subgroups

As in other parts of the Balkans, the denomination of Roma has always been subject to outside pressure. In the official census, the labels Roma and (Kosovo) Egyptians were used.

After the war and encouraged by the international community, the label Roma, Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptians and its abbreviation RAE became more common. Whereas the Ashkali and Kosovo Egyptians maintain their distinct origin, this is sometimes contested by Kosovo Roma who claim that all three groups are actually Roma subgroups.