Roma: Unwanted, marginalised, defiant - the Roma people have become the target of governments across Europe

Unwanted, marginalised, defiant - the Roma people have become the target of governments across Europe. In France and Italy they have been thrown out in their thousands - accused of illegally overstaying their welcome and blamed for increases in crime. They say that in their countries of origin they are victims of discrimination - a minority with few opportunities. They are now taking advantage of European Union laws that allow freedom of travel to all European citizens - looking West to find a better life, yet reluctant to adapt to Western ways. The Roma issue has now been forced on EU policy makers - they have to find a balance between the growing hostility and the rights of the Roma.