Vojvodina, an ideal host for the Forum of European Minority Regions on cross-border cooperation

With 17 languages spoken in the city and four official languages, Novi Sad * Újvidék is the ideal location for FUEN’s Forum of European Minority Regions. And as the province that is home of 25 nationalities, Vojvodina can be an example in minority protection for many European regions. It is also a great place to talk about the topics of the added value of minorities in cross-border collaboration and in the European integration process, a very important objective for Serbia.

The two-day forum started on Friday morning in the building of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina with the welcome words.

Bálint Juhász, President of the Assembly pointed out that with six official languages this is the second most multilingual parliament of the world, after the European Parliament. Vojvodina is an example on how dialogue and mutual respect can build a society which not only respects, but also helps the communities to prosper, he said.

The European regions where linguistic or ethnic autochthonous minorities live strengthen Europe in a special way: they form bridges between the Member States and play a decisive role in European integration – said Member of the European Parliament, FUEN President Loránt Vincze. FUEN’s Forum of European Minority Regions was created with the idea to highlight this reality, and to offer the regions a platform for dialogue, to exchange ideas and best practices, and to exert a stronger influence on EU policies. He pointed out that this is the first time a FUEN Forum takes place in a state which is not yet part of the EU, but Serbia, especially the province of Vojvodina could set an example for many EU states when it comes to minority protection. “This event is our contribution to make Vojvodina more visible”, he said.

“Protecting and ensuring the development of national communities is a European cause. Here, we chose dialogue and trust-building decades ago. We have sought partners, not enemies, and are working to achieve our goals from within, in a democratic framework. The model of Vojvodina sends a message to Europe that it is possible to remain true to ourselves and our identity, while at the same time being proud and respected citizens of the country. We hope that our example will be used by other European national communities!”, said Bálint Pásztor, President of the Alliance of Vojvodina Hungarians (VMSZ).

Novi Sad develops through the involvement of all nationalities living here, said the Mayor of the city, Žarko Mićin. He pointed out that every child deserves equal opportunities for progress and success, regardless of the language they speak at home. Usame Zukorlić, Minister of Reconciliation, Regional Cooperation and Social Stability of the Republic of Serbia talked about the importance of regional development. On behalf of the European Commission, Richard Máša, Head of Operations Section II, EU Delegation to the Republic of Serbia talked about the EU as a strong partner of Serbia in democratization, in creating a society where everybody can feel respected and equal. MEP Željana Zovko, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) of the European Parliament made a strong case for the EU integration of the Western Balkan states, while also pointing out that there are still some shortcomings Serbia needs to address.

The Forum continued with a presentation of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, a model for cultural autonomy, followed by keynote speeches and a roundtable on the economic added value of minority communities in cross-border regions, with inputs from Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Vojvodina, as well as presentation of cross-border cooperations between Italy-Croatia-Slovenia, Nouvelle Aquitaine-Basque Country-Navarre, Alsace-Lorraine and Baden-Württemberg.

Friday’s programme concludes with a visit to Subotica/Szabadka.