"Put your own house in order first": local perceptions of EU influence on Romani integration policies in the Czech Republic

Cashman, L. (2008) "Put your own house in order first": local perceptions of EU influence on Romani integration policies in the Czech Republic. Journal of Contemporary European Research, 4(3), pp. 193-208.

Abstract

This article examines the influence of the European Union (EU) on the development and implementation of Romani integration policy in the Czech Republic from the perspective of those responsible for policy delivery. Based on analysis of key policy documents and research conducted in the Czech Republic, this article first examines how Romani integration became a more important issue during membership negotiations and then discusses how the criticism of the European Commission's Regular Reports was received by those responsible for implementing pro-Romani policies. Finally, the paper assesses how the status of full EU membership has impacted on integration policy. The article concludes that while funding for Romani integration projects has benefitted some groups, the overall impression of the EU is of a remote institution, quick to criticise and unwilling to practise what it preaches.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cashman, Dr Laura
• Authors: Cashman, L.
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races; J Political Science > JA Political science (General); D History General and Old World > DJ Netherlands (Holland) > DJK Eastern Europe
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
• Journal Name: Journal of Contemporary European Research
• Publisher: University Association for Contemporary European Studies
• ISSN: 1815-347X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2008 University Association for Contemporary European Studies
• First Published: First published in Journal of Contemporary European Research 4(3):193-208
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.