A European Roma strategy

9.1.2008

ORAL QUESTION WITH DEBATE O-0002/08
pursuant to Rule 108 of the Rules of Procedure
by Viktória Mohácsi, on behalf of the ALDE Group
to the Commission

In April 2005, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation of Roma (P6_TA(2005)0151), calling on the European Commission to prepare a communication on how the EU could best coordinate and promote efforts to improve the situation of the Roma and to adopt an action plan with clear recommendations to the Member States. The resolution also suggested considering recognising the Roma as a transnational European minority. In November 2007, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on freedom of movement (P6_TA(2007)0534) calling on the Commission to act without delay by pursuing an overall strategy for the social inclusion of Roma and, not least, to make use of the Integration Fund and Structural Funds to support national, regional and local authorities in their efforts to bring about the social inclusion of Roma.

 

A series of initiatives has been taken that touch on Roma issues, but the European Commission has so far not come forward with a comprehensive action plan. Does the European Commission intend to draft a communication on Roma issues in the coming year, having in mind the above mentioned request of the European Parliament? Does the Commission intend to submit a draft horizontal directive to combat all the forms of discrimination referred to in Article 13 of the EC Treaty?

 

What is the amount of European funds available for Member States aiming at the integration of Roma communities? Has the Commission conducted any evaluation of the actual impact of European funding on Roma inclusion?

 

Is the European Commission considering the possibility of adapting its institutional structures in order to deal in a more effective way with Roma issues? Is the European Commission prepared to create a Roma Unit or establish a Roma Inter-service Group? If not, how will the European Commission ensure effective coordination of its efforts to support the social and economic integration of Roma communities with other policy initiatives?

 

Is the European Commission ready to enforce incentive measures for the social integration of Roma people, as recommended by EU Directive 2000/43/EC[1] ?

 

Is the European Commission considering the possibility of becoming more involved in the 'Decade of Roma Inclusion' initiative, possibly by appointing an EC Coordinator for Roma issues?

 

 

Tabled: 09.01.2008

Forwarded: 11.01.2008

Deadline for reply: 18.01.2008

 

• [1]  OJ L 180, 19.7.2000, p. 22.