(23/10/2017)
Written question on Bulgaria’s EU Presidency
Question for written answer
to the Council and Commission
Bulgaria will hold the presidency of the European Union Council from January 2018. However, this year there has been an increase in hate speech against Roma, Muslims and migrants and there has also been a rise in illegal forced evictions and police raids against the Roma community in Bulgaria.
In particular the forced eviction specifically targeting Roma communities without any prior consultation and without providing them alternative accommodation is in breach of Race Equality Directive 2000/43/EC and Bulgaria’s commitments under international human rights law.
In addition, many organisations and activists have expressed their concern regarding the participation of the political party “United Patriots” (UP) in government in Bulgaria. Members of this party, who will chair Council working groups and meetings, have espoused racist and xenophobic views and called for legislation and policies against communities.
The European Union must take action to show that there is no place for any form of discrimination and hate speech within the European Union.
What is the Council and Commission doing regarding Bulgaria and in particular hate speech by government ministers from the UP?
How does the Council intend to make sure that Member States who fail to uphold fundamental rights will be prevented from holding future EU Council presidencies?