Calling today's vote on the EU strategy on Roma inclusion "a big step forward towards the abolition of systematic discrimination and severe stigmatisation of a large proportion of Europe's 10-12 million Roma" GUE/NGL MEP Cornelia Ernst joined the call for the reinforcement of equality legislation.

"To put it clearly: we want binding rules for all Member States and a consistent strategic EU framework and strategies in the 27 Member States. Only then will the Roma and Sinti living in the EU be treated as equal citizens. This includes the strict preservation of the right to freedom of movement and the granting of equal access to education, health, and social services - not as charity, but as a legal right!" she said.

"The stigmatization of Roma and Sinti communities will not change if we do not make the fight against racism across Europe a key mission for the EU. Hate speech, ethnic profiling and unlawful fingerprinting are, and should be considered, violations of fundamental rights. A high level government official should act as a National Contact Point for the efficient implementation of the Roma inclusion strategy."

GUE/NGL PRESS CONTACTS:
David Lundy + 32 485 50 58 12
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 64 66 28
Inga Keilmann (DE) +32 493 60 10 23
www.guengl.eu
European United Left/Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group