No fallout for France over Roma expulsion

THE European Commission backed off prosecuting France for targeting groups of Roma gypsies for expulsion, but is threatening to move against the country over its failure to bring the relevant EU legislation into national law.

The decision followed battles between Brussels and Paris as French ministers decided that attack was the best method of defence after a document was leaked showing that the French were targeting the Roma.

Immigration Minister Eric Besson welcomed the decision of the Commission yesterday saying it was good news for everyone, especially for republicans. “France emerges with its head high in the exchange with the Commission”, he said adding that the Justice Commissioner’s attempt to prosecute them for discrimination had been abandoned.