Prawa imigrantów a wysiedlanie Romów we Francji i reakcja Unii Europejskiej

Abstract

Immigrant Rights vs Expulsions of the Roma People in France in Light of the European Union’s Reaction The article first presents how immigration policies determine the norms which European Union countries apply in their law towards immigrants. Next the author deals with the Roma as a national minority living in France, where it is not yet recognised as equal to other national or ethnic communities. Even though Romany people are protected by law, their legal status is unstable due to their cultural dissimilarity. Numerous dilemmas arise, thus making it difficult to accept any official recognition of the Roma as a supranational or national minority. Relations between France and the European Union have deteriorated since the incident connected with the Roma deportations in 2010. There have been many accusations aimed at the French authorities, and also a threat of bringing proceedings against France before the Court of Justice. The EU strongly condemned France and its immigration policy. This, however, did not change French attitudes towards the Roma. The reaction of the EU did not result in a sudden change in French legislation which aims at preventing an influx of immigrants. In addition, France has introduced special acts to protect the country from a return influx of the Roma minority. The Directive on the free movement of citizens between EU countries has not been fully enforced in France. In the ensuing situation, the ratification of this document will occur in 2011.

Keywords

• France
• French Roma
• deportations
• immigration rights