FUEN Congress continues with presentation of South Tyrol’s minorities, Working Group meetings and Assembly of Delegates

The second day of the 69th FUEN Congress in Bozen / Bulsan / Bolzano turned the spotlight towards the future: How can minority rights be strengthened in Europe and what direction should FUEN’s work take in the coming years?

The morning began with a session dedicated to the hosting minorities of South Tyrol, moderated by André Comploi and featuring Daniel Alfreider, FUEN Vice-President and Deputy Governor of South Tyrol, Harald Stauder, SVP Parliamentary Group Leader, and Herbert Dorfmann, Member of the European Parliament. Through personal insights, video messages and a musical performance by the female vocal quartet Tel Tipes, the discussion illustrated how the German- and Ladin-speaking communities have built a strong model of coexistence and autonomy that continues to inspire regions across Europe.

This was followed by meetings of FUEN’s Working Groups, where participants exchanged experiences, discussed ongoing projects and addressed open questions and current concerns. The following groups gathered in parallel sessions:

• Working Group of German Minorities (AGDM)
• Working Group of Slavic Minorities (AGSM)
• Working Group of Turkic Minorities/Communities (TAG)
• Working Group of Hungarian Communities (MKM)
• Working Group of Non-Kin-State Minorities (NKS)

In the afternoon, the Congress participants gathered for the first part of the FUEN Assembly of Delegates, the organisation’s highest decision-making body. Opening the session, FUEN President Loránt Vincze, MEP, addressed the Assembly for the last time after twelve years in FUEN’s leadership. He reflected on FUEN’s development and growing influence: “FUEN is now bigger, stronger, and more respected than ever. What I promised nine years ago – that FUEN would become a service-based organisation for its members – has become reality.”

Vincze acknowledged challenges such as limited long-term funding and the need for stronger legal advocacy but expressed pride in the organisation’s achievements and unity: “Our organisation is present where decisions about Europe are made, from Brussels to local communities.” He thanked all delegates, colleagues and partners for their trust and cooperation: “It was my pleasure and privilege to serve you. I will remain as close to FUEN as you want me to be.”

After the opening, the delegates reviewed reports, discussed financial plans and prepared key decisions for the upcoming Presidium elections on Saturday. The delegates also debated and adopted twelve resolutions, addressing a wide range of political, linguistic and human-rights issues affecting minority communities across Europe and beyond:

• The right for the Dodecanese Turks to use “Turkish” as a designation for their cultural identity;
• Resolution on linguistic choice in the Spanish justice system;
• Violation of the freedom of association of the “Turkish Community” in Western Thrace;
• Right of the People of Pays Nantais (Loire-Atlantique) to decide on reunification with Brittany;
• Support on the education in Breton;
• The rights of the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania;
• On the return of the Meskhetian Turks and the strengthening of Georgia’s European integration;
• Support to the Greenlandic Inuit;
• Support to the Kanaky people in New Caledonia in a colonial context;
• Protecting minority rights and strengthening democracy in Europe;
• Ensuring the survival of the existence of the Greek-Orthodox Minority in Istanbul;
• For the protection of the rights of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people and the national minorities in Ukraine

The session concluded with the announcement that the Assembly of Delegates will continue on Saturday, 25 October, when FUEN’s member organisations will elect a new Presidium, President and members of the European Dialogue Forum.