The Romanian goverment does not have to ask other ethnic groups how they should be called in romanian language. There is already in romanian language a widely used name for this ethnic group, and that is "ţigan" (pronounced "tzigan") in english that is gypsy. They can call themself however they want in their own language, but they should not try to impose words or names in other languages. The name "ţigan" is also related with the names used for gypsies in other languages, for example: zigeuner from german language.

Just tweeted this: @iDebate The Romanian "Tzigan" for "Gipsy" is less pejorative than their "Roma", "Romani", etc.. they come from India not Rome, idiots! #EU If you're more idiot than thinkable just ask me to argue more, I will :)

"... The word “tigan” ... is associated in the collective memory of the Roma with the slavery that existed in Romania from 1385 to 1856, and also the forced deportations in WW2." - the protest letter of Romanian Romani groups to heads of state at a recent OSCE summit in Kazakhstan.

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Yes, Roma originate from North-West Indostan, but while living there they were from diverse ethnic and social groups. They become the nation in a Bysantine Empire around XIV century. And the Bysantine Empire was known as "Eastern Roman Empire" those days. That`s why the ancestors of these people started to call themselves "Roma".

Notice, that relative ethnic groups in Iran, Central Asia and Arabic countries do not have such self-title. And the reason for it is that after the exodus from Indostan they did not reach "Eastern Roman Empire", but went to other destinations.

"The proposal is a matter of concern as it would reinforce old stereotypes and prejudice. It would also be inconsistent with Romania's international obligations. The preferences of the Roma in Romania as to how they want to be referred to should be respected." - Andrzej Mirga, head of the OSCE/ODIHR contact point for Roma and Sinti issues.

The Romanian goverment does not have to ask other ethnic groups how they should be called in romanian language. There is already in romanian language a widely used name for this ethnic group, and that is "ţigan" (pronounced "tzigan") in english that is gypsy. They can call themself however they want in their own language, but they should not try to impose words or names in other languages. The name "ţigan" is also related with the names used for gypsies in other languages, for example: zigeuner from german language.

"The reality is that the Romanian government was arrogant enough to take ownership in deciding to rename the Roma people without asking their opinion. They are using the Roma as objects of discourse and not as active human subjects." - Ivan Ivanov, Executive Director of European Roma Information Office (ERIO).

The proposal is also clearly in opposition to article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, which defines the EU as ”founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities”. The proposal’s stigmatising effect also breaches the right to human dignity, which is enshrined as inviolable in the European Charter for Fundamental Rights.

Ruus Dijksterhuis Executive Director ERGO Network