EU takes legal action against France over Gypsies

The European Union has decided to launch legal action against France over its expulsions of Gypsies, or Roma, to poorer EU nations. European Commission spokeswoman Pia Ahrenkilde says the commission believes France has not applied EU rules allowing free movement of EU citizens.

She said the commission decided Wednesday "to send an official notification letter to France" asking it to apply the EU rules. The commission is also asking France for more details about the expulsions of hundreds of Roma. These steps could eventually lead to a court case against France. France has defended the expulsions, saying they are part of an overall crackdown on illegal immigrants and crime. Critics say France is unfairly targeting an ethnic minority. (AP)