France expels 8,000 Roma so far this year
France remains defiant in the face of widespread criticism over its policy of deporting Roma gypsies and closing illegal camps.
More than 8,000 Roma have been sent back to Romania and Bulgaria this year so far and nearly 300 are flying back on Wednesday on two special flights.
The French interior minister Brice Hortefeux has already met two Romanian ministers in talks that will continue into a second day.
VIDEO
France expels 8,000 Roma so far this year
France believes the EU should put pressure on Romania and Bulgaria to spend some of the money they receive from Europe on tackling anti-Roma discrimination at home and better intergrating the community.
The European Commissioner for Justice Viviane Reding said she would investigate whether France’s policy contravenes the EU’s fundamental values.
MORE ARTICLE
SPECIAL: The Situation in France
