WRITTEN QUESTION E-2668/01 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Protection of minorities in Hungary.
Date: 2001-10-02
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, Hungary, Roma, accession to the European Union, anti-discriminatory measure, rights of minorities, social integration

C 147 E/38

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

20.6.2002

(2002/C 147 E/036)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2668/01

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 October 2001)

Subject: Protection of minorities in Hungary

In the past few years, Hungary has made great efforts to integrate its Roma minority. The government has,
long- and medium-term measures aimed at ensuring the social
for instance, adopted a package of
integration of the Roma and combating the segregation process. Fundamental to these efforts is the
acknowledgement by the Hungarian government that genuine social integration of the Roma calls for a
mix of minority-protection and social policies.

Will the Commission state whether it is giving due support to these efforts by Hungary, an applicant
country, e.g. in the form of financial subsidies and projects aimed at integrating the Roma and improving
their living conditions in Hungary?

Will it also state whether, in the context of the applicant countries’ pre-accession strategies, it generally
supports projects designed to deal with discrimination and problem situations involving minorities?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2001)

In the framework of its Regular Reports on the progress of candidate countries, the Commission analyses
1 under the political criteria 1 the extent to which Hungary ensures the protection of human right and of
minorities. In this context, the medium-term action programme for the social integration of the Roma has
been closely examined. This programme was adopted by the Hungarian Government in 1999, but specific
funding for its implementation was only made available in 2000 and 2001. In July 2001, the policy
framework for minorities was further strengthened with the preparation by the Government of a long-term
strategy for the Roma, which is currently being discussed with representatives of the Roma minority and
other public and civil organisations. The final strategy is scheduled to be adopted by Parliament in early
2002.

Despite these positive developments, the living conditions of the Roma remain difficult and it will take
time for the measures currently being implemented to have a noticeable impact. Since 1999,
the
Commission has actively supported Hungary’s efforts to improve the situation of the Roma. Through the
Phare programme, more than € 12 million have so far been made available. Measures have concentrated
on the areas of training, education, social affairs and anti-discrimination.

In line with the priorities laid down in the Accession Partnership, the Commission provides support for the
social integration of national minorities in other applicant countries where problems exist in this respect.

(2002/C 147 E/037)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2691/01

by Mario Mauro (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 October 2001)

Subject: Funding from Justice and Home Affairs DG

Will the Commission provide a list of the projects which, in 2000 and 2001, were submitted by the Italian
Regions of Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta for financing from the funds administered by
the Justice and Home Affairs Directorate-General, and the names of those which were subsequently
approved?