Maaike Matelski

Many people would call this a report about 'Gypsies'. However, among Roma and Sinti is generally not common to use the term "Gypsy". However, this is the term that Roma and Sinti are referred to in common parlance. In addition, not everyone is aware of the difference between 'Gypsies' and Travellers. The term refers to the way of living caravan dwellers, while Roma and Sinti should be regarded as an ethnic group. The term "Gypsies" has for the Roma and Sinti community a strong negative connotation and should refer to the German words for "itinerant crook ' (pulling crooks). The above is enough reason for us to speak in this study of Roma and Sinti. Op 1 May 2004 the European Union enlarged to include countries from Central- and Eastern Europe. This raised the question of whether these countries provide ample opportunity and protection to the residents within their borders Roma and Sinti. It is well known that Roma and Sinti in these countries occupy an unenviable position. Therefore, from various European institutions - including the Council of Europe - repeatedly called upon to help this population and additional protection against discrimination. However, the question arises as to whether the situation of Roma and Sinti in Western Europe is much better, or that there is less attention to them because the population is so much smaller. And to what extent these people are confronted with discrimination and unequal treatment Netherlands? It is this last question we want to answer in this study.

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