The Charter of Fundamental Rights, as incorporated into the Lisbon Treaty and legal basis of the EU, guarantees all European citizens freedom to travel from one EU state to another. However, EU governments - and France is unfortunately not the only culprit - are ignoring this. It seems particularly ignorable when it comes to Roma citizens.
Most of the Roma who were sent to Romania last year returned to France afterwards as European citizens free to travel within the EU, but the French Government insists on excluding and deporting them, meaning their status remains uncertain and fragile.
 
Claiming that these citizens are living illegally in the country, Sarkozy’s government has taken a resurgent racist attitude that has no place in an EU democracy.

During the last month, Sarkozy announced new rigid security measures, including the dismantling of 300 unauthorised campsites within three months. The rise of the extreme right, illustrated by an anti-immigration crusade, is fast becoming a strong threat to European states and their fundamental values.

This is yet another example in a series of verbal, legal and physical attacks against Roma people throughout Europe: from Spain and Italy to the killing of Roma people in Hungary and most recently in Slovakia.

The Party of the European Left urges the French Government and all other European governments to stop the deportation of minorities and demands that the situation of these citizens be carefully analysed, with respect for their rights. Minorities must be allowed to play a greater part in society and must be made to feel integrated. A settlement plan for these communities should be developed at the European level in order to allow them to fully enjoy their rights to education, public services, employment and autonomy as any other population within the EU.
EL Secretariat, Brussels