Romania Readies Measures For Roma Social Inclusion; Pushes For Free Movement In EU

During talks on Thursday with French Immigration Minister Eric Besson and French European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche, Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc voiced the Government's firm stand on the French repatriation policy of Romanian citizens of Roma ethnicity and stressed the EU must also step in and tackle the Roma issue. Boc also pointed out that Romania and France rejoice a special relation at the economic, social and political level, the press release also reads.

Boc reminded that the Romanian Government declared "zero tolerance" for criminality and that "any citizen who breaches the law shall be held accountable". Furthermore, he underscored it is important that both the principle of free movement of European citizens in the EU and the European regulatory framework should be observed. He added the Roma issue also requires an European approach, complementary to the efforts made at national level, for the purpose of ensuring the social inclusion of Roma, the press release says.

According to the press release, Besson voiced France's openness to help tackle the Roma issue, through joint efforts at European level, and also help Romania implement social inclusion projects for Roma people.

The European Commission has criticized France over its Roma expulsions and has requested more information on the crackdown. An interim report by the EC says the French policy does not put enough emphasis on the individual circumstances of Roma facing expulsion.

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