Answer given by Mr Barrot on behalf of the Commission

7.1.2009

The Commission is supportive of the principle of respect for the rights of minorities.

The Commission is aware of the difficulties that persons belonging to minorities encounter. Within the limits of EU competence, the Commission has already put a number of initiatives in place that contribute to improve their situation, as for example the framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on racism and xenophobia which was adopted by the Council on the 28 November 2008.

However, the Commission has no general competence in the area of national minorities. Moreover, the scope of Council Directive 2000/43/EC[1] of 29 June 2000, implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin, does not include political rights.

Beyond EU competences, to ensure that minorities are properly protected, it is the responsibility of the authorities of the Member States, acting in accordance with their international commitments, to give effect to all the legal instruments available to them to guarantee the rights of minorities.

• [1] OJ L 180, 19.7.2000.

OJ C 316, 23/12/2009