Euro MPs have demanded an immediate suspension to France's controversial deportation of Roma to Romania and Bulgaria. 


A total of 337 MEPs drafted a strongly worded resolution on September 9. The resolution not only condemned France for its deportations but also called on greater action from the European Commission and European Union governments to integrate Roma into their communities.

The resolution, which was passed by a margin of 377 to 245 in favour (with 51 abstentions) followed a debate in which members of a range of political groups in the European Parliament described the French government's expulsions as a breach of EU law. During that debate there was strong criticism of the decisions taken by the government of French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Livia Jaroka (EPP, HU), for example, told the European Parliament that expulsions may be decided "only on a case by case basis". She said that "nobody should face expulsion just for being Roma" and that collective expulsions "might be repulsive", but so is "the lack of action to alleviate poverty and social exclusion", she said, emphasising the importance of reinforcing Roma inclusion through a common European strategy.

Since August, France has deported about 1000 Roma to Romania and Bulgaria.

Meanwhile, two French ministers are in Bucharest to discuss an emergency plan that France wants Romania to implement regarding the integration of Roma, many of whom live in poverty.


"France will call for commitments on police and judiciary co-operation, the fight against human trafficking and integration of Roma in Romania," said French European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche.