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France says it is acting in line with EU law - but the Commission is checking the facts
Euro MPs are stepping up their pressure on the European Commission and EU governments to boost the integration of Roma (Gypsy) communities, amid a row over deportations from France.
The European Parliament will vote shortly on resolutions from MEPs concerned about the plight of the Roma.
France says it will urge the Romanian government on Thursday to prioritise the integration of Roma.
France has sent home about 1,000 Roma to Romania and Bulgaria since July.
Two French ministers are in Bucharest to discuss an emergency plan that France wants Romania to implement.
"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.
Meanwhile, MEPs have accused the European Commission of failing to protect Roma deported from France.
The EU Justice Commissioner, Viviane Reding, told the European Parliament on Tuesday that she had asked France for more information about its actions.
Discrimination against any ethnic group or nationality is banned under EU law.
But Mr Lellouche has said the expulsions are carried out on a case-by-case basis. He is visiting Romania with French Immigration Minister Eric Besson.
This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
France says it is acting in line with EU law - but the Commission is checking the facts Euro MPs are stepping up their pressure on the European Commission and EU governments to boost the integration of Roma (Gypsy) communities, amid a row over deportations from France.
The European Parliament will vote shortly on resolutions from MEPs concerned about the plight of the Roma.
France says it will urge the Romanian government on Thursday to prioritise the integration of Roma.
France has sent home about 1,000 Roma to Romania and Bulgaria since July.
Two French ministers are in Bucharest to discuss an emergency plan that France wants Romania to implement.
"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.
Meanwhile, MEPs have accused the European Commission of failing to protect Roma deported from France.
The EU Justice Commissioner, Viviane Reding, told the European Parliament on Tuesday that she had asked France for more information about its actions.
Discrimination against any ethnic group or nationality is banned under EU law.
But Mr Lellouche has said the expulsions are carried out on a case-by-case basis. He is visiting Romania with French Immigration Minister Eric Besson.
This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.