(2004/C 88 E/0204)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0649/04

by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 March 2004)

Subject:   Roma people in Slovakia

Has the Commission noted the measures adopted by the Slovakian Government to cut the social security entitlements of local Roma people and the consequent unrest, ‘inter alia’ in Trhoviste, and does the Commission consider the human rights policy of the Slovakian Government to be in accordance with the policy required of an EU Member State?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(21 April 2004)

The Commission has noted the introduction of a new social benefit system in Slovakia that has led to a significant reduction of the social benefit payments since the beginning of March 2004. It has also been concerned about the Roma unrest and looting in Eastern Slovakia.

In general, the Commission obviously rejects the use of any kind of violence as a way of making social or any other claims. The Commission has been in contact with the Slovak authorities on this issue and has expressed its hope that the Slovak Government will urgently use all the means at its disposal to reach a reasonable and measured outcome to this sensitive issue. Particular attention should be given to ease the hardship of the poorest sectors of the population which are likely to suffer most from the reduction of the benefits. Job opportunities should be enhanced in the poorest parts of the country and in Eastern Slovakia in particular. In this context, the Commission welcomes a 14-point paper presented recently by the Slovak Government on ways to improve the situation of the most disadvantaged citizens, particularly Roma. The Slovak authorities have also reassured the Commission that they will closely monitor police behaviour in the east of the country.

The Commission is determined to support the Slovak authorities as far as it can to solve this issue as soon as possible.