EU integration as "an opportunity structure" for Roma minority integration: Moldova and Romania

Absztrakt (kivonat)

Bretherton (2001) defines EU integration process as “a unique and complex process through which the external becomes internal” (Brethreton, 2001, p. 60). Therefore, in the view of this study in order to better understand to what extent in reality “the external become internal” and what the implications for the Roma minority integration are. For better understanding and explanation of the situation, two additional research questions have been created. First, how the EU enlargement did affected the national mechanism on minority integration in Romania and Moldova? Second, how much EU helped/or did not Roma minority integration in the society? Structurally the research paper will be composed from five main parts. The first chapter is the theoretical one and explains the aim, objective and structure of our research. The second chapter presents the definition of minority integration process, minority group and European integration. Meanwhile in this chapter we will present our theories and a historical overview on Roma minority in Europe. The third chapter focuses on the methodology process explaining the research methods, time frame and the variables used for the comparative study. Also in this chapter will explain the importance of the two chosen countries. The forth chapter gives first an important picture of the EU minority integration policy and the eastern enlargement. Gives a general characteristic of Roma minority integration in context of EU integration and underlines its importance for Roma minority inclusion in both countries. The fifth chapter emphasizes the changes and challenges the Roma minorities have to face.