European Commission adopts "tougher stance" on discrimination against Roma

The European Commission (EC) adopted a "tougher stance" towards EU-member states, including Slovakia, that discriminate against Roma communities. Several international and national organisations active in the field of human rights have appealed to the Slovak Government to tackle the widespread discriminatory practices used against Roma children in education. As the report states a survey showed that as many as 43 percent of Roma in mainstream schools were enrolled into ethnically segregated classes. According to Amnesty International, the Government refused to respond to these recommendations, arguing that all children in Slovakia are guaranteed equal treatment in education. The Commission will now send a formal notice with its assessment of the situation to the Slovak government which will be given a deadline to submit its observations. After that, the Commission will conclude whether Slovakia is indeed failing to comply with EU law. In case of an infringement, the Commission may bring the matter before the European Court of Justice.