EU warns France of legal action over Roma

But Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said France had not respected a 2004 EU directive on freedom of movement.

The controversial expulsions of thousands of Roma led to a serious row between Brussels and Paris.

Reding says France has failed to transpose into law a 2004 EU directive on freedom of movement, which sets out procedures for deporting migrants deemed to be staying illegally.

The Roma sent home to Romania and Bulgaria are EU citizens, so they have the right to move to another EU country. But host countries can deport people considered to be a public security risk or a burden on the welfare system.

President Sarkozy says the illegal Roma camps threaten to become shanty towns. He launched the crackdown in late July, calling the camps breeding grounds for people trafficking, prostitution and child exploitation.

More than 1,000 Roma have been deported since Mr Sarkozy announced that the camps would be torn down.