European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek made the following statement on the adoption of the European Parliament report on the EU’s strategy on Roma inclusion:

„I welcome the adoption of the report by the EP as a step forward on Roma inclusion. I pay tribute to our Rapporteur Lívia Járóka for guiding this important report through the European Parliament. If we preach human rights around the world, we also need to respect them particularly in our own backyard.

In particular, the European Parliament calls for equal access for Roma to employment, education and quality housing, the protection of fundamental rights, better use of EU funding and fighting against discrimination at all levels. This will require greater effort from local, national and EU authorities.

The Commission should present a roadmap with binding minimum standards at EU level and Member States should face penalties for non-compliance.

Education is the best way to fight against discrimination. It is our duty as policy makers to guarantee the respect of fundamental rights, the commonly agreed EU rules on free movement and the principle of non-discrimination. It is crucial that our common European values apply to all European citizens, including those who belong to ethnic minorities.“

Note to Editors:

The Commission is expected to present its proposal on an EU strategy for Roma inclusion in April, while the European Council is due to adopt the strategy at its meeting on 24 June. Roma inclusion is one of the Hungarian Presidency’s priorities.

Quelle: Eu Parlament
Stand: 09.03.2011