Brussels critical of Miskolc council measures on accommodation to Roma

Brussels (MTI) – Measures by the Miskolc (NE Hungary) local council affecting local Roma residents’ accommodation are not in line with the European Union’s framework strategy or Hungary’s Roma strategy, Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said on Monday.

She said in response to a written question by MEP Peter Niedermuller, of the opposition Democratic Coalition, submitted in March that the Brussels body has contacted the Hungarian authorities to assess whether the Miskolc council’s measures are in line with EU laws banning racial discrimination.

Niedermuller told Jourova that leaders of Miskolc plan to eliminate a residential area and offer compensation to local residents, mostly Roma, on condition that they move out. Since many of the affected people have declined the offer, the local council has started cancelling their lease contracts citing outstanding payments as the reason. Some 150 families are currently threatened by forced evacuation, he added and asked Jourova for her position on whether this practice is in line with EU strategies to improve living conditions for the Roma.

Photo: MTI

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters