Opening of the 69th FUEN Congress in Bozen / Bulsan / Bolzano

With a festive ceremony at the Hotel Four Points by Sheraton, the 69th Annual Congress of FUEN officially opened this afternoon in Bozen / Bulsan / Bolzano. This year’s host is the South Tyrolean People’s Party (Südtiroler Volkspartei, SVP), representing the German and Ladin minorities in South Tyrol (Italy). Until Sunday, representatives of autochthonous national minorities, nationalities and language groups from over 30 European countries will discuss current developments and future strategies in minority policy.

Accompanied by the horn quartet “Ladinia”, South Tyrol’s Governor Arno Kompatscher welcomed more than 200 participants, describing South Tyrol as a model of successful minority protection. He recalled that the region’s autonomy, rooted in international law and guaranteed by the Italian Constitution, has created a system that benefits not only the German- and Ladin-speaking communities but all residents. “A good autonomy model doesn’t work only for minorities – it works for everyone. It is a benefit for Italy to have this protection system for its minorities”, he said. Diversity, he added, is an asset for Europe: “Being united in diversity – this is our message from Bolzano to all decision-makers in Europe.”

Daniel Alfreider, FUEN Vice-President, Deputy Governor of the South Tyrolean Regional Government and Councillor for Ladin Education and Culture, Infrastructure and Mobility, also welcomed the delegates to South Tyrol, calling it a great joy to gather in Bozen / Bulsan / Bolzano together with friends from across Europe under the roof of FUEN – “a strong symbol of solidarity among minorities and of bridge-building between regions, cultures and languages.”

He highlighted South Tyrol’s example of peaceful coexistence between German, Italian and Ladin speakers, showing that “diversity is a gain for every country.” Alfreider underlined that the protection of minorities is a cornerstone of democracy and a prerequisite for mutual respect. “Together, we are shaping a Europe of languages, cultures and friendship”, he concluded.

In his opening speech, FUEN President Loránt Vincze combined reflection and appeal – his last address as President after nearly a decade in office. He described South Tyrol as “a role model for minority protection” and “living proof of what we always repeat: minorities do not take anything away from the majority – on the contrary, they enrich Europe, the state and the region culturally, linguistically and economically.”

A central part of his speech was dedicated to the Minority SafePack Initiative (MSPI), whose definitive rejection by the European Court of Justice in June marked the end of a long legal battle. Vincze nonetheless drew a positive conclusion: “Was it worth it? I say, yes, definitely – it was well worth it. The solidarity we built, the support we received from citizens and decision-makers and the awareness we raised – these are victories in themselves.” He recalled that the initiative had started in South Tyrol more than ten years ago – a symbolic full circle. “The legal battle may have ended, but we have opened a road where none existed before”, he said.

Vincze also called for the continued defence of minority rights despite political setbacks and urged stronger engagement from the European Union. “The rejection of the Minority SafePack was a political decision – a conclusion confirmed by the European Court of Justice. We must now intensify our pressure on the European institutions to ensure that the next political decision will be in our favour”, said Vincze.

Looking back on his presidency, he noted that FUEN had evolved into a stable and united organisation. “I will hand over FUEN with a clear conscience – and with the treasury in good order”, he said. He stressed that unity had been preserved even in challenging times: “Never allow ideological or divisive issues to find a place within the organisation.”

Oliver Paasch, Minister President of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, spoke of his region’s path from marginalisation to recognition, considering that “today’s peaceful coexistence feels almost like a miracle.” Yet he underlined that not all minorities in Europe are as fortunate: “We feel great solidarity with others. FUEN is an excellent platform to express this solidarity. Minorities are not a problem – they are a value added, a benefit for the entire country they live in. Minority protection is a stress test for democracy.”

Dr Bernd Fabritius, Commissioner for Matters Related to Ethnic German Resettlers and National Minorities of Germany, conveyed greetings on behalf of the German Federal Government and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Highlighting the Minority SafePack Initiative as a citizen-driven project with “beacon character”, he encouraged continued efforts to implement its core proposals. He thanked outgoing FUEN President Loránt Vincze for his commitment and leadership – and concluded with a clear message of support: “FUEN will always have the German Federal Government and me at its side.”

After the welcoming addresses, the official programme of the FUEN Congress began, featuring discussions, presentations and cultural highlights that set the tone for three days of dialogue, exchange and European diversity. Detailed coverage of the panels and events will follow soon.