Monitoring of civil rights in Slovakia

18.2.2014

Question for written answer E-001860-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Erik Bánki (PPE)

As is well known, last year Commissioner Viviane Reding strongly condemned a Hungarian journalist for writing an article about a crime committed by gypsies. The Commission Vice-President stated that in the European Union there was no place for any form of racism, hate speech or intolerance.

1. In the light of the above, what is the Commission’s view of the recent statement by Robert Fico, head of the Slovak Government, in which, if my information is correct, he made an offensive remark about the way of life of gypsies?

2. According to Mrs Reding, how can this be reconciled with respect for universally applicable fundamental human rights in Europe, and will she also take decisive action against racism and hate speech in this case?

3. As there is every indication that during the forthcoming European election campaign there is likely to be an upsurge of extremist views, what measures will the Commission take to combat expressions of racism and conduct which breaches human rights in the Union?

OJ C 312, 12/09/2014