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 EU’s 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 - 2 -

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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