Ex-MEP on the progress of her proposal to EC for a beginning of a Roma strategy
Roma Virtual Network
In January 2010 the Roma community was informed that I made a proposal for a beginning of a Roma strategy to President Barroso of the European Commission.
In February 2010 his Head of Unit (or Chef de Cabinet), Mr Johannes Laitenberger, sent me a positive letter in which he referred me to Vice-President Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Fundamental Rights, Justice and Citizenship, responsible for Roma integration.
In March 2010 I had a meeting in Brussels with the staff of Commissioner Reding. During this 2,5 hours meeting I was referred to Commissioner Andor. Confused about the competences I turned again to the Barroso Cabinet.
The Barroso Cabinet confirmed that Roma integration is part of the portfolio of Commissioner Reding and that accepting or rejecting my external expertise was her decision, but that apparently she did not support my proposal.
In July 2010, 10 months after my first letter to President Barroso, the Head of Unit of the Reding Cabinet stated in written that Commissioner Reding was not in a position to accept my (free of charge!) external expertise on the Roma matter.
I am deeply sorry that I have to pass this message to the Roma community, where so many people reacted with enthusiasm on my sincere efforts.
Meanwhile I have started to organize artists, Roma and non-Roma, which is developing very well and on a high level. Something has to be done. Silence means consent and artists are used to express themselves.
Els de Groen
Former Member of European Parliament (2004-2009)
Author of 40 books and many more articles
Email: els.d...@inter.nl.net