(23/10/2017)
Written question on begging laws in Denmark
Question for written answer
to the Council and Commission
Denmark has enacted a new law against all types of begging which follows on from similar laws that are in place in Greece and Romania. Currently, there is also a debate in Sweden around enacting a similar law on banning all types of begging. Although these laws target all beggars, the laws clearly constitute indirect discrimination through disproportionality targeting and affecting Roma people.
Amnesty International, Civil Right Defenders and other human rights organisations have argued that laws banning all types of begging fail to respect the commitments that Member States have signed up to regarding fundamental rights.
Has the European Commission assessed the impact of these laws and their disproportionate impact on Roma people which clearly constitute anti-Gypsyism?
What action has the European Commission taken in regards to the laws enacted in Denmark, Greece and Romania and is the Commission willing to remind Member States of their duties to uphold fundamental rights?