Brussels, 17/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Roma Policy Coalition (ERPC) says it is extremely disappointed that the European Council has decided to postpone until October the decision to introduce a special EU strategy for the Roma. The ERPC says it is crucial that heads of state take a firm, united stand against policies that deliberately stigmatise and discriminate against the Roma.
In a statement, the ERPC backs the position of Vice-President of the Commission, EU Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner Viviane Reding and President of the Commission José Manuel Barroso on the European Commission's rights and duties to ensure EU law is respected.
In this respect, the ERPC expects: - member states to comply with the Commission's role as guardian of the Treaties and its fundamental values; - the European Commission to finalise as soon as possible its survey on action by France in light of possible infringement proceedings; - and European leaders to adopt a clear and comprehensive European strategy for including the Roma. The ERPC calls on France to immediately halt the expulsion of European citizens to ensure that human rights are respected, to implement its own legislation making campsites available on French territory, and to abstain from making incendiary declarations stigmatising the Roma communities. (G.B./transl.fl/jl)