The European parliament resolution is non-binding, purely a verbal rebuke. But it represents a big blow to French prestige, not least because the parliament sits in France, in Strasbourg. It is rare for the parliament to single out a big founding member of the EU for such a reprimand.
In remarks indirectly targeted at Paris, Barroso said EU "governments must respect human rights, including those of minorities. Racism and xenophobia have no place in Europe. On such sensitive issues, when a problem arises, we must all act with responsibility. I make a strong appeal not to reawaken
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French 'anti-Gypsy policy' denounced by European parliament
Barroso makes veiled criticism of French anti-Gypsy campaign
