Brussels, 20/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - In a resolution entitled “The Situation of the Roma in the EU”, adopted at the plenary session held in Brussels on Thursday 16 September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) actively pleaded in favour of the economic and social integration of the Roma population, and of that of other minorities and migrants. It proposes that the institutions of the EU set in place a global and convincing strategy towards the member states to achieve proper integration on the basis of the rights and duties common to all the citizens of the EU. The Committee also takes the view that this strategy should be devised in a participative way, involving the Roma communities and that it should be supported by funds which are consistent and well-adapted to the stakes.
In its resolution, the Committee recalls, amongst other things, that: - it has always worked for the defence of the fundamental rights of all people living in the EU and that it has always mobilised against discrimination towards national minorities, against racism and xenophobia; - it has always called forcefully for active social inclusion policies in favour of minorities and migrants, especially the Roma. It also took pains to emphasise its commitment to the principle of the rule of law, whereby the responsibility for all actions, including any criminal acts, must always remain with the individual. As regards problems relating to the integration of the Roma, the Committee stresses the responsibility of the EU on the basis of the new treaty and the need to provide a response at European level, both to take account of the specific characteristics of the Roma populations and to ensure equality of treatment throughout the territory of the EU.
Furthermore, in response to the action of the French government, which has expelled people of Roma origin residing illegally in France, the president of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Mario Sepi, told a conference held at the EESC in Brussels on 2 September that the most urgent requirement of the Roma population in Europe is for the member states to commit to “concrete, constructive and responsible action”. “It is to be regretted that this issue, which seriously affects human beings and issues relating to citizenship, has been turned into a political football match and is being used to serve short-term political objectives. This approach creates tensions and encourages the general public to support discrimination and social exclusion”, said Mario Sepi.
In order to find concrete solutions to the problem of the Roma communities faced with poverty, low levels of education and unemployment, the member states must work together to devise a consistent approach allowing them to act across the whole of the EU, the Committee stressed, adding that an overall solution, applicable to the whole of the European territory, must be created on the basis of the EU directives governing the free movement of people, on the ban on all forms of discrimination based on ethnic origin and on equal opportunities in the field of employment. (G.B./transl.fl)