AGSM Seminar in Tirana focuses on minority rights and the EU perspective

From 4 to 7 June, the 29th Seminar of the FUEN Working Group of Slavic Minorities (AGSM) took place in Tirana – for the first time in Albania and in the year marking the 30th anniversary of AGSM. Around 40 representatives of Slavic minorities from across Europe took part. The event was organised together with the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana, which represents the Macedonian minority in Albania.

The focus was on the situation of the Macedonian community in Albania, questions of language, education, cultural identity, political participation and institutional recognition, as well as the role of national minorities in the Western Balkans on the path towards the European Union.

AGSM Spokesperson and FUEN Vice-President Dr. Hartmut Leipner described the seminar as a “milestone”. The meeting in the anniversary year underlined the growing reach of AGSM, which today brings together 32 member organisations from 11 countries and is the largest working group within FUEN. He also stressed the importance of minority rights in the EU process: they are a central part of the rule of law and democratic development.

At the opening, AGSM received the “Ilinden” Award for its special commitment to the Macedonian national minority in the Republic of Albania. Contributions by experts and an exhibition on education in the Macedonian mother tongue gave insights into the situation of the community on the ground. A panel discussion made clear: Albania has created important foundations with the 2017 Law on National Minorities, but what remains decisive is that the rights provided for in the law are also implemented in practice.

Representatives from politics and minority organisations addressed concrete challenges, including political representation, alignment with European standards, and questions of assimilation and demographic development. There was agreement that minorities are an added value for society and democracy.

In addition to the public programme, the seminar also served the internal work of AGSM. The member organisations reported on current developments in their communities, ongoing projects and common concerns within FUEN. Exchange with political institutions was also part of the programme: In the Parliament of the Republic of Albania, the participants gained insights into parliamentary work and addressed minority-related issues. Encounters with institutions and a cultural programme complemented the event.

The 30th anniversary of AGSM was marked with a festive evening. FUEN would like to thank in particular the hosts from the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana for the organisation and hospitality. 

The photo gallery of the 29th AGSM Seminar in Tirana can be found HERE.

Background: The AGSM in FUEN

The FUEN Working Group of Slavic Minorities (AGSM) was founded in 1996 and brings together Slavic minority organisations from various European countries. As part of the FUEN network, it offers its members a platform for exchange, cooperation and joint representation of interests. The annual seminar series takes place each year in a different region with a Slavic minority and provides insights into the situation of the respective community on the ground.