Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-04-27-Speech-3-068"
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"en.20050427.8.3-068"2
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".
In my opinion, the debate we have just held was an exceptionally wide-ranging one. It covered such issues as the status of the Roma as an ethnic group, discrimination against this group and the social and political position of the Roma from a number of angles. I believe that we heard a very broad spectrum of opinions, or rather points of view, and that this will provide us with a sound basis for further considerations on the resolution tabled by this House. The issues raised during the debate highlight the importance and urgency of measures to promote the social inclusion of the Roma at European, national and regional level. The backing of Parliament – and I regard your initiative as extremely important – will help us to mobilise all stakeholders and to drum up the necessary political will. The fact that members of the Roma community are present in this Chamber as MEPs is of particular benefit, as this provides us with a starting point of sorts for a European debate on the real lives and circumstances of Roma communities.
The Commission will continue its efforts to ensure that all the relevant policies and programmes are conducted in a coherent and effective manner in order to promote inclusion of the Roma and of other disadvantaged groups. We must carry out a more in-depth analysis of both the real needs of the various groups and the areas where action at European level can provide added value. In my opinion, it would be helpful for the Commission to be given advice on such matters by a group of leading figures and experts, and I will give some thought to the best way in which such a group could be set up. I will also suggest to President Barroso that a debate on the situation of the Roma should be held at one of the forthcoming meetings of the Group of Commissioners on fundamental rights, non-discrimination and equal opportunities.
2007 will be declared the European Year of Equal Opportunities. A number of measures will be implemented by the Commission, and the Roma issue will obviously also be given its due weight.
Today’s debate has given rise to a number of historical reflections and asides. In my opinion, it would be fitting to remind ourselves that the history of the Roma in Europe has been one of persecution, and that this persecution has frequently been inconceivably cruel. According to a decree issued by the Austrian Emperor Leopold I in the late 17th century – and I paraphrase – any Roma who crossed the boundaries of a village should be killed, and this also meant children. Punishment awaited anyone who failed to take such drastic action. Europe’s history is a very cruel one in this respect.
One of the speakers said that the European Union is the Roma’s only hope. I do not believe that I would have used the word ‘only’ myself, as there are unquestionably a great many other organisations and political endeavours. Nevertheless, we can be proud of the fact that the European Union has set an example in the field of equal opportunities and human rights, in spite of all our imperfections and inconsistency, and in spite of all the work we still have ahead of us."@en1
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