Roma expulsions
Commission takes first steps on Roma expulsions but falls short of tackling core problem of discrimination
The European Commission today announced that it is taking the first steps towards an infringement procedure against France for contravening EU rules on freedom of movement, with their treatment of Roma people. The Greens welcomed the Commission's belated action but expressed regret that the Commission failed to take action on grounds of discrimination. After the announcement, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms said:
"By taking the first steps towards an infringement procedure against France for failure to comply with EU rules on free movement, the Commission is belatedly moving to tackle the appalling policy of Roma expulsions but the process is painfully slow. It is seriously regrettable that the Commission lacked the nerve to launch an infringement procedure on the core issue of France's discrimination against the Roma people however.
"It is clear that these expulsions are an act of discrimination against the Roma minority, with ever more evidence emerging to confirm this, and France must not be let off the hook. The Commission must not turn a blind eye to the core issue of Roma discrimination and must also pursue an infringement procedure on these grounds. It must also not waste any further time in prosecuting those other member states who are violating EU law with discriminatory policies against the Roma."
