Source Review and Current Events: Roma in the European Union

In his work The Dilemma of the European Union's Roma Policy, Aiden McGarry discusses the marginalization and discrimination of the Roma people in the EU. He writes about the challenges that institutions face in developing policy regarding the Roma as efforts to address social issues have proven inadequate thus far. While efforts have been made to protect minorities within the EU and provide assistance for vulnerable people, including the Roma, the author argues that more can be done. He notes that the EU frequently uses terminology like inclusion and equality of opportunity, which helps address issues of economic inequality for the Roma. On the other hand however, Roma also suffer from severe cultural injustices due to the negatively purported associations with their ethnicity. So the European Union faces a challenge here in addressing both economic and cultural injustices associated with the Roma people. The author concludes noting the EU's increase in efforts to address the integration of the Roma through socioeconomic issues.

Recently, the editorial board of the New York Times wrote about the intentions of the European Union to improve its campaign to reverse years of oppression and marginalization of the Roma. They write about the improvements that the union has made regarding education, health, and housing which is something each member-state is required to do. "The European Union intends to earmark money for the task so member nations can no longer divert aid to more popular causes." These intentions are well-meaning and will likely push member-states into increasing assistance for the Roma, but challenges may inevitably arise. Since countries like Romania joined the European Union in 2007, efforts to assist the Roma population have become increasingly difficult as Roma comprise nearly 10 percent of the population there. The Times also writes about right-wing politicians gaining support as they demonize Roma, and in Slovakia, around 400 mayors have used health and safety regulations to create a movement of shutting down Roma communities. So local politics will affect the success of Roma integration policies, but even politicians who admit the need for better welfare programs will not speak out in fear of voter backlash. The European Union will continue to press member-states and their local governments to implement humane reforms.

Sources:

McGarry, Aidan. "The Dilemma of the European Union's Roma Policy." Critical Social Policy (SAGE), 2012. 

The Editorial Board. "Europe's Roma Bashers." New York Times. April 29, 2014. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/30/opinion/europes-roma-bashers.html?_r=0.