The European Parliament today adopted a resolution on the situation of Roma in the European Union, which explicitly condemns the announcements and decisions of Nicolas Sarkozy and the French government, which is seeking to stigmatize a cultural minority.

The xenophobic statements of the French President are not out of the blue, they came in a difficult political, financial and social context for Nicolas Sarkozy and his government. This populism has horrendously exploited a population for electoral purposes.

The Commission kept quiet during the talks, strictly adhering to statements by French authorities. However, for the GUE/NGL there is no doubt that the Treaties and EU law have been violated.

After the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and thus of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the Commission must be as strict on fundamental rights as on economic issues.

Infringement proceedings must be initiated. The free movement of persons must not take second place to the free movement of capital and goods.

The GUE/NGL, with the Greens, S & D and ALDE, requested that the Commission assume its responsibilities and condemn all member states that target cultural minorities in violation of the Treaties and Community legislation. The Roma must be treated as EU citizens.

We also demand that the necessary measures are taken against member states that do not apply the existing provisions for Roma and their integration. Only then can we actually build an area of freedom and justice in Europe.

We therefore welcome the European Parliament's vote today.

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GUE/NGL PRESS CONTACTS:

Gianfranco Battistini + 32 475 64 66 28

David Lundy + 32 485 50 58 12

Sonja Giese + 32 486 94 50 21

www.guengl.eu