France calls for EU-wide plan for illegal gypsy camps

FRENCH Prime Minister Francois Fillon believes the European Union needs a continent-wide plan for illegal gypsy camps and child beggars that he described as plagues of the 19th century.

At the same time, the EU justice commissioner maintained her concerns about France’s expulsions of more than 1,000 gypsies, or Roma, in recent weeks, and said yesterday her staff could finish its analysis of whether France is violating EU law by October 29.

Fillon warned the European Commission against making “hasty” decisions to take France to court over the expulsions. He defended France’s evacuations of “shantytown” Roma camps.