Today the Commission announced the opening of an infringement procedure against France for not fully implementing the 2004 Directive on Free Movement. In the case of France, the government has to come forward with its transposition measures and a detailed schedule by 15 October.

In reaction to the remarks by Commissioner Reding two weeks ago, France already withdrew its 'circulaire' in which the Roma were specifically discriminated. Now France has to prove in practice that it has stopped discriminatory policy as well.

Guy Verhofstadt, Leader of the ALDE group said: "As ALDE was the first to react to the anti-Roma policy of France, we welcome the Commission's decision to initiate action. We will be most vigilant that every step of this infringement procedure be taken if necessary. At the same time we will closely monitor that policies targeting specific ethnic groups, whether in France or other countries, are ended both on paper and in practice."

Nathalie Griesbeck (Modem, France): "The discrimination we have seen in France and other countries over recent months is contrary to the fundamental values of the European Union. We now expect the Commission to fulfill its duty and screen every country with a view to preventing any discrimination or curtailment of the right of free movement."

For more information, please contact:
Neil Corlett: +32-2-284 20 77 or +32-478-78 22 84
e-mail: neil.corlett@europarl.europa.eu
Federica Terzi: +32-2-283 23 24 or +32-494 18 88 31