EU leaders discuss French Roma expulsions

France's expulsions of Roma dominated the opening of a European Union summit on Thursday even though the topic was not on the official agenda.

France defended its actions but EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding kept open the
possibility of taking France to the European Court of Justice over the policy.

The Executive Director of the European Roma Rights Centre Rob Kushen says the European Union needs to protect the rights of Roma citizens.

“The European Union needs to exercise leadership here, defending the rights which are defined by EU law,” he told Vatican Radio.

He said Roma have the right to travel between EU member states, just as all other EU citizens do.

France has expelled over 1,000 Roma over the summer, and dismantled around 100 Roma camps.