France Assuages Brussels Fears over Roma Forced Eviction

Most of the Roma in France came from Bulgaria and Romania after the two countries joined the EU in 2007 and are seen by the majority of the French as a threat to safety and security. Photo by BGNES

France, which is preparing to deport to Bulgaria and Romania Roma people, who live in illegal campsites, has struck back to Brussels criticism that the measures breach European rules.

“The measures undertaken by the French authorities, concerning the destruction of illegal camps are fully in line with European rules and in no way breach the right to movement of freedom of the European citizens, as defined in contracts,” a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry commented.

He added that European directives “very clearly provide for restrictions of the right to free movement due to causes concerning the public order, security and health of the people.”

Earlier on Wednesday the European Commission called on France to respect the rules concerning the freedom of movement and the freedom of establishment that European citizens enjoy.

European Commission spokespersons conceded that member states have the right to restrict the movement of freedom under certain conditions, but stressed that the European Commission is following the situation very closely to make sure that the rules are in place.

France will begin deporting Roma on Thursday by putting them on flights to their native countries.

A total of 700 Roma will be sent back home by the end of August via air flights. The flights to Bulgaria and Romania are scheduled for August 19 and 26 and will use private air carriers from State airports. A third flight is planned for the end of September.

Most of the Roma in France came from Bulgaria and Romania after the two countries joined the EU in 2007 and are seen by the majority of the French as a threat to security.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!