Roma Expulsions and Discrimination: The Elephant in Brussels

Abstract

This article will critically examine the treatment of migrant Roma in Western Europe, particularly Italy and France, in the light of the obligations under the EU Citizenship Directive 2004/38. The role of the political institutions will be considered, especially the European Commission, who have yet to take a decisive position on the Roma expulsions and on the wider issue of Roma discrimination in Europe. It is argued that the focus on non-discrimination cannot address the entrenched inequality which characterises the Roma's situation in Europe. Furthermore, that the comparative disadvantage experienced by Europe's Roma communities constitutes a major human rights crisis which has so far been side-lined by Brussels. A European strategy is urgently required which demands leadership from the Commission and the full participation of Roma representatives.

Discourses of Roma Anti-Discrimination in Reports on Human Rights Violations

“…However, this perspective has been criticized because it leaves a lot of responsibility in the hands of nation states, where nation states are given broad competences to protect the human rights of their Roma citizens, enshrined in the constitutions and Council of Europe legislation (O'Nions, 2011). When they don't succeed, there is still no real transnational body which can address such violations in a decisive and consistent manner (Faist, 2001;Isin & Turner, 2002;Nash, 2009).…”

“…When they don't succeed, there is still no real transnational body which can address such violations in a decisive and consistent manner (Faist, 2001;Isin & Turner, 2002;Nash, 2009). Therefore, there seems to be a consensus today in literature and in policy that the individual-rights-based approach is inadequate to attain the full inclusion of Roma in society (Rövid, 2011 Another criticism levelled against the individual rights approach that is increasingly emphasized is the observation that the focus on individuality neglects the fact that Roma are confronted with a strongly disadvantaged socio-economic structural situation (IgnatoiuSora, 2011;O'Nions, 2011;Rövid, 2011). According to this approach, which has received widespread support in recent years, Roma are targeted as a group that has primarily socio-economic interests because of severe deprivation, which intensified after the fall of communism.…”

“…Although this approach is still only rarely applied to the Roma minority, it is the most common way to deal with the rights of national minorities; to identify them as a separate group with special needs and to take positive measures to assure these needs are fulfilled (McGarry, 2012;O'Nions, 2011;Rövid, 2011). The focus on individual racial discrimination and socio-economic redistribution neglects the fact that Roma are a cultural minority which deserves recognition, which could in turn lead to special measures to improve their situation (see left part of Figure 1).…”

“…Another important aspect discussed in globalization and Roma inclusion policy studies concerns the role of nation states in protecting the individual rights of its citizens and in providing redistribution and recognition for the Roma group (Nash, 2009;O'Nions, 2011;Rövid, 2011;Sassen, 2007;Tremlett, 2009b). Thus, this issue can be linked to all three inclusion perspectives (individual rights, redistribution, recognition), as can be seen in Figure 1.…”

Some Europeans are more equal than others

“…Perhaps encouraged by the absence of strong condemnation and enforcement action from the European institutions, the French authorities were soon to follow suit (O'Nions, 2011;Severance, 2010). Following a crackdown on unauthorised encampments, the French government expelled around 1,000 Roma in the summer of 2010 (Severance, 2010).…”