An attack by the European Parliament?

The daily Corriere della Sera condemns the European Parliament's criticism of the controversial fingerprinting of Roma minors in Italy. "Suspicions are running high that this is a politically motivated attack, instigated by the European Socialists' demonstrative harrying of Nicolas Sarkozy into cranking up the pressure on Silvio Berlusconi. ... Strasbourg's warning is not binding. It smacks of political manoeuvring, and was passed without waiting to hear the opinion of the European Commission. ... The fingerprinting of Roma children is a reflection of the cultural convictions of the majority. ... [Current EU Council President] Sarkozy answered the Socialists that [the fingerprinting] reflects a change of course on the part of the Centre-Right, and that this faction is led by Berlusconi, whom Italians have elected as prime minister for the third time. An irreproachable response. But it remains to be seen if it heralds the support of other EU countries, or if Italy must engage in yet another trial of strength with Europe. Some of Italy's opponents would no doubt like to see its solitude become isolation."

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