What about the Roma? - Analysis of EU's current policy regarding the situation of Roma in Europe

Abstract

In Europe, Roma are marginalized, treated unequally, live in poverty and face exclusion on daily basis. Apart from the EU falling short in Roma integration, Roma continue to be subject of misconceptions and unfitting ideas regarding who they are. The outcast position has produced a vicious circle of distrust; Roma accused for not wanting to integrate by major society, while long term discrimination has made Roma apprehensive regarding assistance in their favour. The current situation of the group is further disfavoured by questionable actions by EU member states, such as displacement and deportation. As it were, systematic discrimination against Roma has taken a new turn in EU member states in recent years aroused by the ‘freedom of movement’ policy enforced by the EU. The consequence for Roma has been further discrimination in form of persecution and expulsion. This research concludes that through its official documents regarding the situation of Roma in Europe, EU is maintaining an already existing Roma discourse. Through discourse analysis this research has observed particular words and phrases used in the documents which indicate the way the EU refers to Roma.