The situation of Roma EU citizens

moving to and settling in other

EU Member States
FRA COE OSCE
Joint International Conference on Roma Migration and Freedom of
Movement
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The right to freedom of movement and residence
Key to achieving European integration and included in the
EUs Charter of Fundamental Rights (Art. 45)
Eurobarometer: 42% believe that EU means first of all
freedom to travel, study and work anywhere in the EU
All EU citizens have this right under certain conditions
The 2004 Free Movement Directive enables EU citizens to
exercise this right by cutting back administrative
formalities and by limiting the scope for refusing entry or
terminating the right of residence of EU citizens
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Background to this report
Reports of Roma EU citizens facing problems in settling in
other EU countries, e.g. Ponticelli Italy 2008 incident
The FRA commissioned fieldwork research to the ERRC
Evidence collected in 5 selected EU MSs through desk
research and interviews of Roma, officials and NGOs
France, Finland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom
Wide and contrasting range of features reflecting
experience of Roma EU citizens in receiving countries
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Some key research findings
- 1 -
Push factors: unemployment, poverty and racism
compounded by economic crisis and violent attacks
Pull factors: improved living standards, work and
better educational opportunities for children
Variety of experiences: Some have found new
opportunities and integrated successfully others had
negative experiences of profound immiseration
Responses to Roma arrivals vary frequent negative
reactions from politicians and media associated with
negative Roma stereotypes, e.g. criminality
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Some key research findings
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Experiences at Schengen borders broadly positive, but
problems experienced when leaving and returning to
their own countries, including allegations of corruption
Integration efforts targeting Roma EU citizens are rare
Incorrect application of the Free Movement Directive,
e.g. regarding residence registration conditions, can
affect Roma EU citizens access to social benefits
Some specific policy responses target Roma negatively,
e. g. security measures
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The way forward
Transposition of Directive 38 European Commission
Application of Directive 38 on the ground correctly
integrated, co-operative and coordinated approach
across vertical and horizontal levels of governance
Development of proactive, inclusion-oriented policies
targeting Roma in consultation with civil society
Survey data disaggregated by citizenship, gender, age and
ethnic origin to monitor inclusion in host societies
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Thank you for your attention
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