Anti-Roma racist comments made during a debate in the European Parliament [editar]
The Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG) welcomes the response from the political groups that have called on the Presidency of the European Parliament to take action following the anti-Roma racist comments made during a debate on “inclusion, equality and the fundamental rights of the Roma people”.
FSG wishes to express its rejection of and concern regarding the discriminatory and anti-Roma comments made by two MEPs during the debate held on 29 April at the European Parliament on ‘Inclusion, equality and fundamental rights of the Roma people: making Europe’s values a reality’.
During the plenary session, which was specifically dedicated to addressing the situation of the Roma people in Europe and the need to advance equality, inclusion and participation, statements were made that broadly stigmatised the Roma community, using racist language and unfairly and discriminatorily associating the Roma people with crime, social dependency and exclusion. This type of discourse not only damages the dignity and honour of millions of European Roma citizens, but also contributes to normalising prejudices and narratives of hatred that are incompatible with the fundamental values of the European Union.
The Fundación Secretariado Gitano welcomes the response from the political groups and MEPs who have written a letter to the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, calling for an institutional response and the implementation of the measures envisaged to address this type of behaviour.
The reaction of these political groups sends an important signal in defence of the image, dignity and fundamental rights of the Roma people in Europe. It also reaffirms that democratic institutions cannot remain indifferent to rhetoric that promotes racial discrimination or reinforces historical stereotypes against a minority that continues to face serious inequalities in areas such as education, employment, housing, health and social participation.
The parliamentary debate on 29 April also featured significant statements from the Council and the European Commission, which highlighted the persistence of anti-Roma sentiment and the need to strengthen policies on equality, inclusion and the participation of the Roma people in the European Union. Anti-Gypsyism is a specific form of racism that has real consequences on the lives of Roma people, fuels discrimination and undermines trust in democratic institutions. It is therefore essential that the European Parliament acts firmly, in accordance with its internal rules and the principles of dignity, equality and non-discrimination that underpin the European project.
In this context, the institutional response to the events that have taken place must serve to send a clear message: there is no place for racism, anti-Gypsyism or hate speech within European institutions.
At Fundación Secretariado Gitano, we reiterate our commitment to a Europe based on equality, social justice, participation and respect for diversity. Defending the rights and dignity of the Roma people is to defend the democratic values of the European Union.