"Anti-gypsy feelings are still widespread in Europe" and the "fear of the Roma" is especially fomented "by extremists", inducing "racism attacks, speeches based on hatred, illegal expulsions and vexations by the police" or local bodies. Therefore, because of "the discriminations suffered by about ten million Roma" living in the 27 countries making up the European Union, the European Parliament "asks for a community strategy and financing to promote their social inclusion". The Assembly, meeting in Brussels in plenary session, approved a resolution upheld by Populars, Socialists Liberals, Greens and the Left with large majority (510 votes in favour, 36 against, 67 abtensions): the text states that "it is necessary to stop segregation" against the Rom peoples in relation to education; on the other hand, it is necessary "to foster their integration in the job market, and to help them starting business activities through microcredits". A special note states that, with the extensions of the Union taking place in 2004 and 2007, "the majority of them acquired EU citizenship", thus taking advantage of the right "to circulate and stay in the territories of the Member States freely". (To be continued)” “
