The Committee strongly condemns discriminatory actions against
the Roma or any ethnic minority groups. The EESC has always strived to
defend the fundamental rights of all people living in the European Union
and to oppose all forms of discrimination directed at national
minorities, as well as racism and xenophobia. The entry into force of
the Lisbon Treaty has strengthened the regulatory and policy framework
for such efforts and the instruments to implement them.
Moreover, the Committee has always strongly supported the right
of all Union citizens and their families to move and reside freely, in
accordance with EU law.
The Committee has always called forcefully for active social
inclusion policies in favour of minorities and migrants, in particular
the Roma.
Furthermore, the EESC wishes to express its commitment to the
principle of the rule of law, according to which the responsibility for
any act, including possible criminal acts, must always be individual
responsibility.
The Committee, aware that the problems associated with the
integration of the Roma are primarily a matter for the Member States
concerned, nevertheless stresses the responsibility of the EU under the
new treaty and the need to find a response at EU level, both to take
into account the specific circumstances of the Roma populations and to
ensure equal treatment throughout EU territory.
The Committee actively advocates the economic and social
integration of the Roma population, like that of other minorities and
migrants, and proposes to the EU institutions the establishment of a
comprehensive strategy which is credible to the Member States in order
to bring about genuine integration based on the common rights and
obligations of all EU citizens. Such a strategy must be built in a
participatory way by involving Roma communities and be supported by
funding which is consistent with and appropriate to the major challenges
at hand.
2012
