I represent London, the most ethnically and religious diverse city in Europe. In London we have around 300 languages spoken in our schools and the most diverse Muslim population outside Mecca. Such diversity brings its own challenges and rewards. As the richest region of the EU the City of London’s position is juxtaposed to holding high levels of poverty and deprivation, high unemployment (particularly amongst Bangladeshis), high levels of discrimination (in areas with new arrivals) and the employment chances as a graduate of Bangladeshi background are equal to that of an unqualified white 16 year old. If that is what we have in one city (and an exceptional one!) just think of the scale of the current and future EU and the challenges we face in integration and participation; accepting diversity and being comfortable and secure with that; and with tackling discrimination.

But what does citizenship mean? What is identity – let alone national identity in an EU where people feel they have links or an affinity with places elsewhere? What is the political manifestation within the directly elected body whose role is often described as representing citizens and whose responsibility is to act in their best interests? It is clear to me that to represent your national interest being a British citizen (well subject) or French national is not enough when faced with the growing diversity within the EU. Indeed as Members we are challenged to look beyond that.

The call may come from our nationally based sister party to come and see what is happening on the ground. This makes me think of the project in one of Slovakia’s national parks where the rangers had been working with a Roma community pushed out to live on the forest edge, here sustainable use of the forest was teamed with relocation to a site which had more water access than one pump. Here personal invitation was sent to me to see, support and add a “higher” voice to pressure and persuade local politicians to act and report back. Through MEP initiative, PSE Austrian Members invited Roma people to the Parliament to describe the special projects they were involved in and best practice. This while working with the ELIO to demonstrate need and possibility and above all inclusion. It is important that amendments are continually made to country reports in the accession process so that international members, national bodies and EU liaison can keep the spotlight on government.

For some of us action is reflected in defending the Roma and asylum seekers or refugees against deportation - arguing in the Qualifications Directive that it should not apply only to third country nationals given what we know about the situation of the Roma in particular (we lost that argument). We should use the research published by non Roma specific bodies like the EAPN. We must put input in to social inclusion National Action Plans. MEPS have a responsibility to publicise the potential use of the Article 13 Directive on Race and Ethnic Origin for Roma. At the Roma Forum meeting in the European Parliament this week we heard from the Commission about its work specifically with and for Roma in its equitable Unit linked to Art 13. Politics of the Forum and who owns it need attention (it is not an inter-group). We have to see these developments alongside the work of the Council of Europe to create a representative body of the Roma people. Internal focus is not surprising when you feel so disempowered that you search for power where you can find it.

Some tools that can be used: Find MEP champions to help find a voice, strengthen ties with NGOs as well as build awareness and support in the House such as amendments to Reports, put forward debates and put pressure on EU policy. It is also important for communities to use their own voice to speak directly to the institutions (see EU Turkey Civic Commission – project from Kurds in Turkey) Use the EU as a broker to make dialogue possible and looking to a solution. Participate in consultations.

We will see an increase in this form of organisation. Especially due to the growing powers of the EU it is worth investing the time. Secondly this will occur as a result of national groupings starting to learn how to use the tools available and develop cross border links (such as internet) and see the value in doing that. Also because, for some, the wider platform is more aspirational.

Members are learning now to read the politics of the diaspora! They are realising that it is not a single coherent voice.

Jean Lambert 28 January 2005