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20030529-31 48th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities in Bozen/Bolzano
20030610-11 Minorities without »kin state« in Starbienino / Poland
20030617-27 FUEN-Seminar in Grisons and Bern Introduction
20030617-27 FUEN-Seminar in Grisons and Bern Dokumentation
20030905-06 FUEN-Conference in Bischkek
20031009-12 Workshop for German minorities in Sankelmark
DOCUMENTS / EVALUATIONS
20030131 FUEN replies to a consultation paper of the European Commission
20030422 Framework Convention for the protection of national minorities from FUEN`s point of view
FUEN-ASSEMBLY:
20030529 FUEN-Assembly in Bozen / Bolzano
MANUSCRIPTS
20030131 Romedi Arquint in Satu Mare
20030529 Romedi Arquint in Bolzano
PRESS RELEASES 2003
German Chancellor in Kazakhstan
Discussion with German minority
In the course of his Asian journey the Chancellor of the
Federal Republic of Germany, Gerhard SCHRÖDER, also
visited Kazakhstan on the 5th of December.
Besides talks with President Nursultan NASARBAJEV, the
Parliament of Kazakhstan, some Non Governmental
Organisations (NGO´s), representatives of the opposition
parties and industrial companies a meeting was also organized
with representatives of the German minority and their Chairman
Alexander DEDERER.
f.l.t.r.: Nikolai Abt, Chairman of the Society forEntrepreneurs in Karaganda;
Alexander Dederer; Gerhard Schröder, German Chancellor; Eugen Ahman,
Member of the Kazakhian Parliament and member of the German Council of
Kazakhstan; Jochen Welt, Federal Government Commissioner for Matters
Related to Repatriates and National Minorities in Germany and Andreas
Körting, German Ambassador in Kazakhstan.
Alexander DEDERER used this opportunity to explain the specific
situation of the German minority in Kazakhstan to the German
Chancellor, who was accompanied by Jochen WELT, the
Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Related to
Repatriates and National Minorities in Germany. In the focus
of interest were the visa-regulations.
The compete speech of DEDERER is available under the link:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20031205dederer.pdf
15 Years Commissioner for Minority Affairs
in Schleswig-Holstein
With a reception the regional government of Schleswig-Holstein
celebrated on 08th December 2003 the 15 year-long existence
of the voluntary „Commissioner for Minorities“ in the northernmost
Bundesland of Germany. This position was founded in 1988, then
called „Commissioner for border region and minority issues“, and is
considered to be the mediator between the regional government
and the minorities in the Danish-German border region. The present
„Commissioner for national minorities and ethnic groups, border-
regional issues and Low German“ is always appointed for one legislative
period and works politically independently.
The first commissioner was Kurt Hamer. From 1991 until 2000 it was
Kurt Schulz and since 2000 this work has been done by the chairwoman
of the FUEN Advisory Board, Renate Schnack.
Renate SCHNACK
In the course of the celebration politicians and representatives
of the minority associations acknowledged the importance of this
office for the relations between regional politics and minority
organisations. The present commissioner, Mrs Renate Schnack,
greatly supports the work of the associations and has managed to
gain the confidence of the Germans in Denmark, the Danes in
Germany as well as the North Frisians and the Sinti and Roma,
said the speakers.
DialogueForumNorth successful in Brussels
BRUSSELS / FLENSBURG. From 24th – 27th November what
is known as the DialogueForumNorth made a study journey of
about a week to the institutions of the EU in Brussels. The
„DialogueForumNorth“ is an informal discussion circle of the
Danish minority in Germany, the German minority in Denmark
, the Frisians (Friisk Foriining and Nordfriesischer Verein), the
Sinti and Roma, the Commissioner for Minority Issues, the
German border-associations, the Jaruplund Højskole, the
Akademie Sankelmark, the Nordfriisk Instituut and the FUEN.
Willi PIECYK (below, 2nd f.r.), Member of the European Parliament
and from Schleswig-Holstein, introduced the DialogueForumNorth to
the work of the EU.
The participants confirmed their assumption that the EU is
a big complex organisation, where the minorities are forced to
become more active to be seen and noticed. Existing contacts
to relevant institutions were strengthened or new contacts
brought about.
The imparting of information beyond it was done in a couple
of interesting and important lectures. Teresa CODECO,
responsible in particular for the EU language programmes,
agreed to improve her contacts with the German-Danish-
Frisian border region.
In the Hanse-Office, the representation of Schleswig-Holstein
and the Region of Sønderjylland/Schleswig at the EU, Baltic
Sea-cooperation and the regional funds for 2006 were the
main topics of the agenda. Dr. Markus WARASIN, General
Secretary of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages
informed the participants about the so-called „Partnership
for Diversity Programme“ which will take place from 19th
– 22nd February in Flensburg.
Hans Heinrich HANSEN, FUEN-Vicepresident, describes
this study journey as very productive, „because the German-
Danish-Frisian border region has moved into the focus of
European coherences“. Now it is the task of the forum to remind
the respective parliamentarians of their responsibilities.
Renate SCHNACK, Commissioner for National Minorities, feels
satisfied that the border region found the way to a common
study journey. This is a step into the future.
FUEN-Conferenc in Kirgisia available as pdf-file
In cooperation with the Kirgisian Parliament and the Council
of the Germans in Kirgisia FUEN organised a minority seminar
on 05th September 2003
Romedi Arquint (left), interpreter and the President
of the Republic of Kirgisia, Mr. Akaev Asgar Akaevitsch,
The documentation of a/m event is just
finished and available on following site:
ATTENTION 28 MB!
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20031105KGbischkek.pdf
Dieter Küssner new chairman
of the Danish minority in Germany
HUSUM. The director of the Danish adult education
centre, the so-called Jaruplund Højskole, Dieter KÜSSNER
replaces the previous chairman of the Sydslesvigsk Forening
Heinrich SCHULTZ who has led the main cultural organisation
of the Danish minority since 1987.
Dieter Küssner
SCHULTZ has always cooperated in a fair and trustworthy
way with the regional government, as it was said in an
expression of sincere thanks sent by Minister President
Heide SIMONIS. He achieved a lot for Schleswig-Holstein
and the Danish minority. SIMONIS also sent congratulations
to the 61 year-old Dieter KÜSSNER on his election.
»Minoritypolitics are no subsidies«!
Der Nordschleswiger: 03th November 2003
http://www.nordschleswiger.dk
The President of the regional parliament of
Schleswig-Holstein, Heinz-Werner Arens, appealed
to Folketing and government in Copenhagen. He was
outspoken and said: „ We won´t support a cut in
the financial support as is mentioned in the Koch-
Steinbrüch Draft on cutting subsidies.“ These sub-
sidies are no „charity payments“ but a special positive
treatment in the sense of the Bonn-Copenhagen-
Declarations. They guarantee the balance and equality
of chances between minority and majority in the border
region. This balance is not just of interest for the
minorities but it is „ political aim at a regional and federal
level. This is what we stand by and we urge the state to
behave reasonably“, continued the President of the
regional parliament.
Arens also mentioned the Danish discussion on
structural reforms and expressed his understanding
of the worries of the German minority about their political
representation. „ State structures which show consideration
for the rights of the German minority are as important
as legal protection“, said Heinz-Werner Arens.
President of the Schleswig-
Holstein Parliament,
Heinz Werner Arens
He called upon the Germans of Northern Schleswig
not to underestimate themselves. The commitment,
the work and the conviction of the Nordschleswiger, as
they are called ,fill the legal conditions with life and create
an atmosphere of mutual tolerance. The minorities north
and south of the border „must be protected and given
enough freedom and possibilities for their development“.
He hoped that this would be considered by Folketing
and Danish government.
clk.
49th FUEN Congress of Nationalities 2004 in Poland
FUEN board meeting in Budapest
At the end of October the FUEN board came together
for a board meeting. The meeting took place in the
course of the 8th conference of the Slavic minorities
within the FUEN and dealt among other things with the
venue of the next Congress of Nationalities. It was
decided to organize the 49th FUEN Congress of
Nationalities 2004 from the 19th – 23rd of May 2004
in Poland.
The chairman of the Slovaks in Hungary, Mr Jan
FUZIK opened the 8th conference of Slavic minorities
within the FUEN. Also in the photo: Juri Wuchanski
(association auf Lausitz-Sorbs www.domowina.de)
left and FUEN-President Romedi Arquint.
Further details available as soon as possible.
OSCE-Implementation meeting 2003 in Warszawa
Richard Donitza represented FUEN
In the framework of the OSCE HUMAN DIMENSION
IMPLEMENTATION MEETING from 6 – 17 OCTOBER 2003
in WARSAW, the participants of the meeting also dealt with
minority issues on 15th October 2003. A lot of NGOs, State
representatives from Europe gave status reports about the
minority situations in specific countries.
The FUEN was represented by Richard DONITZA, Executive
Secretary of the Social Cultural Society of the Germans in
Silesia (German minority in Poland http;//www.vdg.pl)
and Deputy of the Sejmik Opole (see photo).
Richard Donitza with the chairwoman of the so-called
FUEN-Advisory Board, Ms Renate Schnack, during
the 48th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities in Bolzano
State representatives in particular value the present
protection of minorities as satisfactory, but unfortunately
there was too little time to go into more detail. That meant
that an exchange of ideas between NGOs and State
representatives was not possible.
DECLARATION
Of the Carpatho-Germans in Slovakia
On the 17th/18th of October the representatives of the
Carpatho-German Association (KDV) met in Medzev. The
participants of this meeting adopted the following declaration
unanimously:
The Slovakian citizens of German nationality have always
supported the moving of Slovakia towards its integration into
the European Union. There is no doubt that it is also their
effort and of those Carpatho-Germans living in Germany and
Austria, that this goal be reached on the 1st of May 2004. (...)
The cultivation of language, culture, traditions and so the identity
of the Carpatho-Germans in Slowakia is endangered seriously
because of the social-political development of Slovakia during
the recent years. Without rapid and effective help by the
government this danger can become reality in the very near future. (...)
One group of the Slovakian citizens with German nationality
continues to suffer discrimination by the decrees of 1945. (...)
The Carpatho-German representatives appeal to the
government of the Slovakian Republic to act against the
discrimination of the Slovakian citizens of German nationality.
The Slovakian citizens of German nationality demand of the
responsible executive and legislative representatives the
discussion of these topics and following positive decisions.
Provinsje Fryslân plans heavy cutbacks on funds for Frisian
The West Frisian provincial government intends to economise heavily on
its budget for Frisian language and culture in 2004. In the framework
of a major cutback operation, the province intends to "lower its ambition
level for Frisian by 50%", as it says in a recent financial plan. Structural
support for two major umbrella organisations will be cancelled completely,
and all non-structural activities will be reduced by half of their present
value. Every year, 1,000 projects apply for these non-structural funds.
The cutbacks on the literary funds amount 12%. For the other cultural
funds the cutbacks will be 32% on an annual budget of 557,000 euro.
Within the framework of the preparation work of the 46th FUEN-Congress
in Heerenveen, FUEN President Romedi Arquint visited the board
of the Ried fan der Fryske Beweging
An organisation that will be struck very hard by the present plans
is the FUEN-member organisation “Ried fan de Fryske Beweging”,
which so far received structural funding. This political lobby
organisation represents several smaller organisations in the
Frisian movement. It is due to its lobby work that four Frisian
municipalities have chosen Frisian as their first official language.
Henk Wolf represented the West-Frisians
during the 2nd Seminar for minorities in Starbienino
Henk WOLF of the Frisian Council, one of the few organisations that are
not affected by the plans presented, indicates that reducing the
above-mentioned fund is contrary to the obligations the province
committed itself to after the ratification of the European Charter for
Regional and Minority Languages. "Both the province and the state
obliged themselves to support contacts between the Frisians in the
Netherlands and in Germany. Immediately afterwards, the state
cancelled their financial support to the Frisian Council. And now the
province cuts half of the most important fund for interfrisian youth
contacts. These are odd politics."
13th annual meeting of the workshop for German minorities
available as pdf
In cooperation with the German Ministry for Interior FUEN
organised its annual workshop for German minorities from
09th to 12th October 2003 at European Academy Sankelmark
/ Schleswig Holstein (see press release 2003-56).
The 13th meeting of this kind focused on digital media.
The documentation of a/m event is just
finished and available on following site:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20031022AGDM.pdf
»Framework conditions and educational concepts
for the teaching of minority language based on the
European Charter for regional or Minority languages«
Annual meeting of the workshop of Slavonic national minorities in the FUEN
from 24th- 26th October 2003 in Budapest
The FUEN-member organisation the Slovaks in Hungary »Celostatna
slovenska samosprava« is organizing the annual meeting for Slavonic
national minorities in the Federal Union of European Nationalities.
The topics of these annual meetings change regularly and are evaluated
correspondingly.
The main topic of the annual session will focus on »Framework
conditions and educational concepts for the teaching of minority
language based on the European Charter for regional or Minority languages«
The conference will be opened by the Chairman of the Slovaks in Hungary,
Mr. Jan FUZIK and Jan NUCK, Chairman of the Lusatian Sorbs.
FUEN will be represented by its Vice-President Dr Ludwig ELLE. Among
lectures and seminars to a/m conference there will also be a visiting
programme to the »Slovensky Institute« and a city guided tour of
Budapest. Musical contributions will be made by the »Ozvena« Choir.
The event ends with an exkursion to Ostrihom and Kestuc
The organizers expect guests from Austria, Estonia, Lithuania,
Latvia, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Serbia-Montenegro
and the Czech Republic
FUEN-Seminar focused on digital media
13th annual meeting of the workshop for German minorities
at the European Academy Sankelmark
In conjunction with the German Ministry for Interior FUEN
organised its annual workshop for German minorities from
09th to 12th October 2003 at European Academy Sankelmark
/ Schleswig Holstein. The 13th meeting of this kind
focused on digital media. In opposition to former events, the
participants took the opportunity to present their specific status
reports with the help of so-called Power Point presentations.
An additional workshop edited a movie. The results of the
presentations are available at the FUEN-Secretariat as soon
as possible.
The workshops were divided into 4 groups:
One workshop consisted of representatives from the former
Soviet Union. Two workshops consisted of representatives from
the Enlarged EU and finally one workshop edited a movie.
The second day of the conference focused on the specific minority
situation of the German minority in Denmark. Four individual persons
took the opportunity to show theirbranches: Farmer Jes JEPSEN
(www.ligaard.org), Vet Hans Heinrich Hansen, Beer Brewer Kim
FUGLSANG (www.fuglsang.dk) (see photo below) and Director
of the South Danish Centre for Economies, Asmus Peter ASMUSSEN
( www.sjec.dk). Attention was drawn to their honorary activities for the
German minority in Denmark
At the Fuglsang Brewery
Next meeting in Hungary
All participants agreed to move the next workshop for German
minorities to Hungary. The hosts will be the German minority
in Hungary (www.ldu.hu).
A documentation is in preparation and will be available soon.
Support Frisian language in the Kindergarten!
Lars Harms, Member of the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament visited the FUEN
A couple of days ago Lars Harms, Frisian representative
of the so-called »Südschleswigscher Wählerverband«
(www.ssw-sh.de) visited the Head Office of FUEN. FUEN
Secratary General Frank Nickelsen introduced him in the
aims and work of FUEN.
Harms was very interested in the the support of minority
languages at a European level. Nickelsen drew attention
to the 2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« in
Starbienino / Poland,which was organised by the Kasubians www.fuen.org/pdfs/20031009DOKUStarbienino.pdf
Among other minorities the Sorbian minority presented their
so-called Witaj-Project, which exactly deals with
the support of minority language in the Kindergarten
(www.sorbischer-schulverein.de).
MdL Lars Harms
»The financial support for kindergartens in Schleswig-Holstein
will be totally renewed. The minortiy issue must not be forgotten
in this case. Financial incentives must be provided so that
kindergarten children in North Frisia can be tought bilingually,
i.e. also in the Frisian language. The examples in other regions,
e.g. the Sorbians in Lusatia show that Schleswig-Holstein can
adopt other ideas for our own use«, said Harms.
2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« in Starbienino
available as pdf
In cooperation with the Regional Parliament of Pomerania,
the Land Schleswig-Holstein and the Kasubian-Pomeranian Association
FUEN organized the 2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« in Starbienino.
The documentation of a/m event which took place in June is just
finished and available on following site:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20031009DOKUStarbienino.pdf
International Symposium for Aromunian Studies
FUEN President Romedi Arquint visited Aromunians in Sofia
At the invitation of the Center for Aromanian Language
and culture in Sofia FUEN President Romedi Arquint took
part in an international conference which focused on
Aromunian issues. Also State representatives from Bulgaria
and Romania listened to status reports from Aromunians
linving in Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Bulgaria.
In Macedonia the Aromunian language is present in schools,
media and various organisations e.g. writers` organisation.
Besides own productions in the Aromunian language a lot of
best-sellers are translated into Aromunian as material for schools.
In Bulgaria the Aromunian language has a high level. In Albania
there is only one school that offers Aromunian.
Unfortunately no Aromunian representative from Greece
attend the symposium In all regions folklore is closely
identified with Aromunian but teaching aids as well as
teaching staff are missing and it is still difficult to introduce
Aromunian as an optional language.
These a/m demands are only possible in Macedonia on a
private basis.
Romedi ARQUINT is convinced of the fact,
that cross border cooperation is the only basis to preserve
and protect the Aromunian language. ARQUINT`s stressed
that the recommendations of the Council
of Europe must be realized.
The venue which was organised by Toma KIURKCHIEV
and Michail CHRISTOV ended with a cultural programme,
which showed the Aromunian enthusiam for folklore.
Unrest in Karachay
Since last weekend (05-07 September 2003) the Russian
Caucasus Republic of Karachay has been suffering from
severe unrest. At the last elections the former president
General Semjonow, a member of the ethnic group Karachay,
did not reach a majority of the given votes. The new president
is Mustafa Badtyjew. The main organisation of the Karachay-people
and FUEN-member „Dzhamagat“ speaks of massive election
cheating and has been organizing silent protest marches in
Cherkessk and other places in the Republic since last Sunday.
After the rounding up and isolation of the protesters by the army
during the night on monday morning hundreds of them lay ill on
the ground. The chairman of the Karachay-organisation „Dzhamagat“,
Mr Azret Ketscherukow, alleges poisoning. Why and by whom is
not clear yet. On the other side officials and members of the army
are climbing an epidemic.
„The situation is out of control and the Karachay-people and
Dzhamagat, who is at the head of this movement, are in a
desperate situation“, according to the Karachays..
Further information is available at „Dzhamagat“
+7-878-79-44074
FUEN-Congress in Bozen/Bolzano available as pdf-format
48th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 29th-31st May 2003 in Bozen/Bolzano
The Federal Union of European Nationalities held its 48th Congress
on Nationalities and its obligatory Assembly of Delegates in Bozen/
Bolzano from 29th–31st May 2003. The documentation
of a/m event is just finished and available on following site:
Congress: http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030908DOKU_BOZEN.pdf
Assembly: http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030625FUEN_Assembly.pdf
German minorities from 22 states meet in Sankelmark
Annual meeting of the Workshop of German national minorities in the FUEN from
09 - 12 October 2003 at the European Academy Sankelmark / Schleswig-Holstein
http://www.eash.de
The workshop of German national minorities in the Federal Union
of European Nationalities (FUEN) will be meeting for the 12th time
this year. This workshop was established on the initiative of the German
Ministry for Internal Affairs in 1991 in Budapest as an informal workshop,
including all those organisations within the FUEN, the umbrella organisation
of national minorities and ethnic groups in Europe, which regard
themselves as German minority organisations.
The annual conference will focus on medias in general
and an excursion to the German minority in Denmark in particular.
The organisers expect 60 persons from 22 different states
A first draft of the programme is available on following link:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030924AGDMprogrammD.pdf
FUEN - Conference in Kirghizia
Romedi Arquint and Hans Heinrich Hansen from 03-07.09.2003
in Bischkek
In cooperation with the Council of the Germans in Kirghizia and
the Kirghizian Parliament the Federal Union of European Nationalities
arranged a conference on the present situation of the national
minorities within the Kirghizian Republik and possible ways of closer
colaboration. The board of FUEN was represented by President
Romedi Arquint and Vicepresident Hans Heinrich Hansen. Among
the participants were a.o. the President of Kirghizia Mr. A. Akaev,
the chairman of the Parliament Mr. A. Erkebaev, representatives
of the OSCE as well as the ambassadors of the United States
of America, Russia, Usbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belorussia.
Valeri Dil (left), Member of the Parliament of Kirghizian and Chairman of
the Germans in Kirghizian was the contact person between
FUEN and Parliament of Kirghizian. Besides him the Chairman of the
Germans in Kazhakstan, Alexander Dederer.
On the following days after the conference the representatives of
FUEN visited several institutions of the German minority and other
associations.
The FUEN assesses this conference as a sign of goodwill of the
Republic of Kirghizia to solve ist minority problems by involvement
of the persons concerned and in cooperation with the minority
organisations.
FUEN-Commissioner of the Germans in Hungary visited FUEN
Dr Koloman Brenner was a guest at the FUEN-Secretariat in Flensburg
Within the framework of a visit to North Frisland and the FUEN-
Secretariat in Flensburg, the FUEV-Commissioner of the Germans
in Hungary (http://www.ldu.hu) Dr. Koloman BRENNER visited the
FUEN-Secretariat a couple of days ago.
Dr. Koloman Brenner (right) with Jörgen Jensen Hahn and
Bernhard Ziesch during the FUEN-Assembly in Bolzano.
Brenner, who was part of the Election Commitee during the
FUEN-Assembly in Bolzano took the opportunity to ask about
the present situation regarding the 13th annual workshop of
the German minorities of FUEN from 09th to 12th October 2003
at the European Academy Sankelmark. A programme is just in
the process of preparation and will be sent at the beginning
of September.
FUEN-Seminar in Grisons documentation available
FUEN held a conference in Grisons for 25 participants
from Georgia (see PR No. 2003-39). A detailed documentation
has just been finished and is available on following link:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030822RAMMgech.pdf
Further details:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030606CH_Grisons.pdf
»Partnership for Diversity Forum« 2004 in Flensburg
Johan Hägman, EBLUL, and Renate Schnack visited FUEN
Johan Hägman, from the European Bureau for Lesser Used
Languages (www.eblul.org) visited the FUEN-Secretariat a
couple of days ago. His aim was to introduce the conference
the »Partnership for Diversity Forum« which is planned from
19th-22nd February 2004 in Flensburg.
Renate Schnack and Johan Hägman
HÄGMAN, who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Minority Affairs in
Schleswig-Holstein, Ms Renate SCHNACK, welcomed the
readiness of the FUEN to participate and cooperate in such
seminars in general. FUEN-President Romedi ARQUINT will
make a speech on the aims of FUEN and the lingual
diversity in Switzerland in particular.
Further details are available at the EBLUL office in Brussels.
„„Minority Policy in Schleswig-Holstein“
a brochure is available now
A brochure on the minority policy in Schleswig-Holstein
was finished a couple of days ago. The publication consists
of minutes, a report on the Schleswig-Holstein Government
as well as detailed extracts regarding statistics, etc.
Further details
Schleswig-Holsteinischer Landtag,
Referat Europaangelegenheiten,
Ostsee-kooperation und Minderheitenfragen,
Düsternbrooker Weg 70, D-24105 Kiel,
Anja.Freudenthal@landtag.ltsh.de or
Anke.Pfitzner@landtag.ltsh.de
Frisian language signs for the Safety of School Children
in North Frisia
Within the framework of school starting again for many school
children in North Frisia the Friisk Foriining (Frisian association in
Germany) is starting a project to safeguard school children and
support Frisian culture. The signs are to be seen near schools,
Kindergartens and motorways.
The signs bear the inscriptions “Look out for children! -
Jeew åcht aw da bjarne!"
Further information:
http://www.friiske.de
Statment by FUEN Vice-President Dr. Ludwig Elle
In an article published on 5th July, the "Sächsische Zeitung" (Dresden)
reported the controversies within the PDS parliamentary group in Saxony
concerning the participation of delegate Heike Kosel at the annual FUEN
Congress of Nationalities.
FUEN Vice-President, Dr Ludwig Elle:
"I do not wish to interfere with the internal affairs of the PDS, but,
since the controversies which have been published in the media relate
to the FUEN, of which I have been Vice-President since 1994, I wish to
express my view. Clearly, some PDS delegates are unaware of
- or ignore - the existence of various national minorities (ethnic groups).
According to the Council of Europe's (European) Framework Convention
for the Protection of National Minorities, minorities are entitled to the
same political, cultural and linguistic rights as the majority.
Various minority associations are members of the FUEN (an organisation
which was founded in 1949 and which was associated with the "fight against
imperialism" by a GDR publication in 1979).
Dr. Ludwig Elle
Currently, there are 73 member organisations from 30 countries and these
include the associations of the Frisians, Danes, Sorbs, Polish, and Gypsies
in Germany.
A fundamental principle of the FUEN is to facilitate the fostering of
solidarity between minority organisations and minority politics, based
on the democratic process involving cooperation between the minority and
the majority. Since 1996, the President of the FUEN has been a Rhaetian
Social Democrat from Switzerland - one who can hardly be described as an
"instrument for German minority politics abroad".
Notwithstanding that "the destruction of the Sorbian basis is
unconstitutional" , I now wish to disassociate
both myself and FUEN from the comparisons made between the political
school problems in Saxony, involving the Sorbs, and the "darkest chapters" of
Sorbian history.
Further details:
Sächsische Zeitung
Statement von Heiko Kosel
FUEN-Assembly of delegates available as pdf-format
On 29th May 2003 FUEN held its obligatory Assembly of Delegates
in Bolzano / South Tyrol Italy. The documentation of a/m event is
just finished and available on following site:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030625FUEN_Assembly.pdf
The complete documentation of the 48th Congress of
Nationalities will be available soon.
Successfull seminar Seminar for 25 Georgians in Switzerland
FUEN-Seminar from 17th-27th June 2003 in in Grisons and Bern
The Aaims of the seminar was firstly to give the opportunity to a group of
personalities from politics, media, public life and science to get to
know the trilingual canton Grisons and its political structure and
secondly to deal with Switzerland as a federal state and the international
laws and instruments for the protection of national minorities over a
period of 10 days.
The 25 persons who participated in the seminar came from the separated
regions of Abchasia, Acharia and South-Ossetia.
This experiment, to bring people together from different and hostile
regions, can be described as successful.
During the 10 days there was a fruitful and constructive dialogue, in
content and on a personal level, among the participants
Among those who speak at the seminar were Prof. Daniel Thürer (Zürich),
the National Councillors Andreas Gross and Gabi Vermot-Mangold as well
as Regina Jensdottir and Hanno Hartig from the Council of Europe.
In Samedan the participants got a deeper insight into local politics and
the everyday life of a bilingual school.
In addition they got insight into theory and practice of language and
cultural politics in a federal state.
In the Swiss Peace Institute Ambassador Keller informed practicants about the
conflict in Sri Lanka, which is also based on ethnic reasons. In the
Headquarters of the Federal Council they were confronted with
language politics at federallevel and in Geneva they visited the
International Red Cross, the UNHCR as well as the Centre for Security Policy.
The seminar ended with a reception by the Georgian Ambassador and
an evaluation of the seminar in Castle Lenzburg.
This seminar was realized by financial help of the Canton Grisons. It
was part of the activities celebrating 200 year anniversary of the Canton.
Further information:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030606CH_Grisons.pdf
Scholarship of the Minister President Heide Simonis
On the occasion of the 15 years` anniversary of the function of a
»Commissioner for national minorities« of the Land Schleswig-Holstein
the Minister president of Schleswig-Holstein, Ms Heide SIMONIS is
granting a doctorate scholarship for young scientists, who deal with
the minority issues.
Research work on minority issues which has its focus on recent history
or linguistic and cultural aspects will be supported. Current references
to the European process of integration will be taken into account“, said Ms
Heide SIMONIS
The awarding of the scholarship will be decided by a
selection-committee in which the Commissioner for national
minorities of Schleswig-Holstein, Mrs Renate Schnack, will also participate.
Renate Schnack (left) und Heide Simonis
Further information available:
http://www.Minderheitenbeauftragte.schleswig-holstein.de
International interns of the German Parliament
visited FUEN
Within the framework of a visit to Flensburg FUEN was
visited by a group of international interns of the German
Parliament, the Bundestag.
Onca a year international students do work experience
in the offices of Members of the Parliament. In 2003 there
are students from following countries: Albania (3), Bulgaria (5),
Estonia (3), Croatia (3), Latvia (3), Lithuania (3), Macedonia (3), Poland (6),
Romania (6), Russia (10), Slovakia (3), Slovenia (3), Czech Republik (6),
Ukraine (5), Hungary (6) and the United States (19).
The programme consist of visits to universities and a visit
to each constituency of the MPs.
Interns from Ukraine, Macedonia, Bulgaria and the United States
were introduced to the aims and work of FUEN by Secretary General Frank Nickelsen.
F.l.t.r.: Theo van der Zee / USA (office of MP Cornelia Behm);
Biljana Mojsovska / Macedonia (office of MP Detlev Dzembritzki);
Ivan Gayvanovych / Ukraine und Doroteya Pandava / Bulgaria
(offices of MP Andrea Voßhoff and MP Michael Stübgen);
The International Parlamentarian-Internship IPP which stood under
the chairmanship of the German Parliament ends
on 31st Juli 2003.
Implementation Conference on 25th and 26th June 2003 in Berlin
Letter written by the chairman of the Lusatian Sorbs Domowina,
Jan Nuck from 21st June 2003
On June 25th and 26th 2003 the capital of the Federal Republic
of Germany will host a so called „round table“ with the participation
of the representatives of German authorities, responsible delegates
of umbrella organizations of the minorities settled in Germany and the
representants of the pertinent bodies of the Council of Europe.
The agenda of the Imlementation Conference will enclose the following issues :
1. Coordination of the German authorities´s approach towards the minorities
2. Implementation of the Conventions of the Council of Europe (- General
Convention on the Protection of National Minorities, 1995, - European
Charter of Regional and Minority Languages of the Council of Europe, 1992)
and
taking on suitable measures in accordance with the German Constitution
which would meet the requests and conclusions of the European
Council´s experts ensuing from the inspection of the European Council´s
inspecting bodies
3. Better mutual exchange of information among the countries involved
and also between those countries and the German Federation´s
authorities will be stressed during the discussions of the Conference.
Similarly, more sensible approach of regional and local authorities towards
the issues included in both documents of the Council of Europe will be
dealt on.
The Conference is of the utmost importance for the Lusatian Sorbs living
in Saxony. Still it does exist the intention to abolish the exemplary important
Sorbian secondary school at Crostwitz.
Stephan Kleinschmidt new YEN-President
Extraordinary assembly in Flensburg
The Youth of European Nationalities YEN held its extraordinary
assembly on 07th June in Flensburg. The Danish youth organisation
in Germany, the so-called »Sydslesvigsk danske ungdomsforeninger« was the host.
There were several reasons for a/m meeting. First of all there were no
organisers for the Easter seminar 2005 and for the YLS 2004.
Furthermore a new presidium should be elected
Stephan Kleinschmidt (DJN) is new president of
YEN. Ydwine Willemsma (FYK) and Matjaz Jaklic
(MOSP) are the new vice-presidents, Gergely Dardai
(GJU) is new treasurer and Alice Ratyis
(MISzSz) is for a further period secretary of YEN.
Organisers of the so-called YLS in 2004 is GiuRu and the SJR will
organise the Easter seminar 2005.
Further details available:
http://www.yeni.org
http://novinet.info/yeni/docs/pr_GA_flensburg_2003.pdf
»The involvement of minorities in the decision making process is a
fundamental aim which must be supported!«
2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« in Starbienino
Within the framework of the Polish Memorandum regarding the EU-Enlargement,
FUEN held a 2day seminar in Starbienino / Poland. The seminar was organized
in conjunction with the Regional Parliament of Pomerania, the Kasubian-
Pomeranian Assciation, the Land Schleswig-Holstein and FUEN.
The President of the Regional Parliament of Pomerania - who also is the chairman
of the Kasubian-Pomeranian Assciation, Prof. Brunon SYNAK opened
the seminar and welcomed up to 50 participants from 7 different states. In
addition to the a/m hosts the Cornish minority in Great Britain, Frisians in
Germany and the Netherlands, Ladins in Italy and Rhaetians in Switzerland
also attended. FUEN was represented by the two Vice-Presidents
Dr. Ludwig ELLE and Dr. Nigel HICKS, Secretary General Frank NICKELSEN
and Deputy Secretary Gary FUNCK.
FUEN-Vice-President Dr. Ludwig Elle (Lusatian Sorb)
introduced in the so-called WITAJ-Project of the Lusatian Sorbs.
Prof. SYNAK took the opportunity to welcome the two representatives from
the land Schleswig-Holstein, Vice-President Dr. Garbiele KÖTSCHAU and the
Frisian repressentative of the Danish Party SSW, Lars HARMS.
The involvement of minorities in the decision making process is a
fundamental aim which must be supported. »It is not enough to install
instruments for those concerned. They must also be involved in the process
of decisions, said Prof. SYNAK. Furthermore he gave an example how his
Regional Parliament cooperates with the land Schleswig-Holstein and
recommended such examplified cooperation to all other minority areas.
The event was the second of this kind. The first was executed in Sankelmark
Further sessions are planned. A detailed documentation will be available
as soon as possible
Democracy, federalism and multiculturalism
– the example of Switzerland
FUEN-Seminar from 17th-27th June 2003 in in Grisons and Bern
In 2003, the Swiss canton of Grisons celebrates 200 years as part of the
Swiss Confederation. To mark the occasion and as a 'gift to Europe', the
Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) took the initiative to hold
a seminar entitled 'Democracy, federalism and multiculturalism – the example
of Switzerland' in this canton. The reasons behind this initiative are that the
Canton of Grisons is home to two linguisitic and cultural minorities, and FUEN's
vocation to promote the interests of national minorities in Europe.
Switzerland with its federalist structure and highly developed democracy is
generally recognised as a model of statehood worthy of emulation, particularly
for multiethnic regions in conflict.
The seminar will focus on Georgia, a multicultural society currently
experiencing serious difficulties making the transition from a Soviet Socialist
Republic to a genuinely sovereign democratic state. The country has
experienced a decade of regional conflicts which have created an unstable
political situation and complicated the process of democratisation and its
search for suitable institutional structures. Georgia is a member of the
Council of Europe.
FUEN has cultivated close contacts with Georgia and, as a non
-governmental organisation, wants to highlight the importance of the role
of civil society in the process of democratisation and the creation of a
federal system in the country. FUEN is responsible for the organisation
and implementation of the seminar. It will work closely with the Swiss canton
of Grisons, which is providing financial and moral support, together with
the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Lia Rumantscha,
which are supporting the project with both funds and consulting services.
Contact:
romedi.arquint@bluewin.ch
murezi.michael@bluewin.ch
Further details:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030606CH_Grisons.pdf
2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« in Starbienino
FUEN-Seminar in cooperation with the Regional Parliament of Pomerania,
the Land Schleswig-Holstein, the Kasubian-Pomeranian Association and FUEN
From 10-11 June 2003 the 2nd seminar for for ethnic groups without a so-called
kinstate will be executed. Follwing groups will be focosed on Kasubians in
Poland, Rhaetians in Switzerland, Ladins in Italy, Frisians in Germany and
the Netherlands, Sorbs in Germany and Cornish in Great Britain.
About 50 persons from 6 different states will be expected.
The Conference will be hold in Polish, English and German.
The programme of a/m conference is available on following link:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030602Starbienino.pdf
The national minorities in the »new Europe«
48th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 29th to 31st May 2003 in Bolzano
The Federal Union of European Nationalities held its 48th Congress
on Nationalities and its obligatory Assembly of Delegates in Bolzano.
The congress focused on "The national minorities in the »new Europe«"
and was attended by more than 200 participants from 25 different states.
The majority of these were representatives of minorities from over 73
member associations, although state representatives, scientists and a
number of members of the media were present (see photo below).
FUEN-President
Romedi Arquint
The conference was opened by FUEN-President Romedi Arquint.
His speech is available on following link:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030529RA_Bozen_E.pdf
Further welcoming words were spoken by the president of the Autonomous
Province Bolzano, Dr. Luis DURNWALDER, the Vice-President of the
Autonomous Region Trentino, Dr. Richard THEINER, the chairman
of the South Tyrolian Party, Dr. Siegfried BRUGGER, the Head of South
Tyrolian Culture and FUEN-Vice-President Dr. Bruno HOSP and finally the
the chairwoman of the Union Generela di Ladins dla Dolomites,
Mrs Hilda PIZZININI.
The speeches on basic principles were made by the Ombudsman of
the Hungarian Government, Prof. Dr Jenö KALTENBACH and
the newly elected Director of the Congress of Local and Regional
Authorities of Europe), Mr Ulrich BOHNER. Both speeches will be
a part of the final documentation of the the whole conference which
will be available soon.
The status reports of FUEN Member organisations
demands a new point of view!
48th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 29th to 31st May 2003 in Bolzano
Within the framework of the 48th FUEN Congress on Nationalities in Bolzano
attention was drawn to the fact as to important it is to execute the present
iinstruments like the Framework Convention for the protection of national
minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.
Specific cases were dealt with regarding the Crimean Tatars in Ukraine, the
Carinthian Slovenes, the Makedonians in Greece and the Russians in Latvia.
FUEN-Advisory Board meeting in Bolzano
48th FUEN Congress on Nationalities from 29th to 31st May 2003 in Bolzano
The FUEN-Advisory Board formed in June 2000 in Komarno/Komaron (SK)
also convened. Within the framework of a specific workshop which dealt with
the Regional Polish Parliaments of Pomerania and Opole, the chairwoman
of this FUEN-Advisory Board, commissioner for minority issues of the federal
state of Schleswig-Holstein, Ms Renate SCHNACK, took the opportunity to
introduce the audience to the aims and work of this Advisory Board. It was
the fiirst time of this kind.
Mrs SCHNACK was able to welcome numerous representatives from
parliaments and governments from countries in which FUEN member
organisations live (see photo below).
For Ms SCHNACK the Congress offered a good opportunity to demonstrate
cooperation between State institutions and an NGO like the FUEN, in
order to demonstrate the benefit for the national minorities in Europe and
to interest and inform the general public beyond what is usually known.
The committee is an informal body for information and exchange that aims
to accompany and support the work carried out by FUEN. By creating the
committee, both FUEN as an NGO and the state representatives emphasise
the will to maintain constructive cooperation, without which minority issues
cannot be successfully approached or solved. Further meetings are planned.
Dr. Nigel Hicks New Vice-President of the FUEN!
Delegate Assembly of the FUEN
Within the bounds of the delegate assembly of the FUEN on May 29th 2003,
the following Organizations have been admitted as members of the FUEN
Ordinary Members:
Cornish Stannery Parliament / GB
Slaavi Haridus-Ja / EE
Assoziation der Deutschen in Georgien / GE
Associated Members:
Tschechen in der Slovakei / SK
Kirim Karaylar / UA
All members of the FUEN:
http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_3_2002.html
Furthermore, the delegate assembly was working on the ordinary tasks,
such as the annual report of 2002 and the budget draft for 2003. The
annual reports were approved and adopted unanimously.
Unusual was this year the election of a FUEN vice-president. This position
had been vacant since the former FUEN vice-president Per Le Moines had
left office in 2001 after many years’ work. It was important to the committee
that a new vice-president would maintain the contacts to Western Europe and,
above all things, to the Celtic minorities.
l
So, at the suggestion of the FUEN committee, it was decided unanimously
by the delegate assembly to occupy the 45 years old Cornish Dr. Nigel
Hicks (see photo above), at first for one year, with the position of the FUEN
vice-president.
Dr. Hicks, who already could gain experiences within the FUEN as
the representative of the “An Seneth Stenak Kernowek” (Cornish
Stannary Parliaments) is, moreover, member of the committee of the
Cornish language organization “Agan Tavas”. This organization works
for the preservation and development of the original Celtic language
of Cornwall, which is acutely threatened by extinction. Dr. Hicks is,
therefore, also the right contact for the smaller minorities without any
“Kin-State” as a support, such as the Frisians, the Sorbs, the
Rhaeto-Romanic, the Saami and others.
In the main Resolution an analysis of the current situation regarding
the national minorities has been worked out and the corresponding
demands and expectations on the UE, the European Council, the
summit meeting of the ministers of the European Council 2004/5
and the nation-states have been formulated.
Apart from the main Resolution the delegate assembly adopted different appeals.
All adopted Resolutions
Minority Issues on Agenda of European Parliament
Michl Ebner, member of the European Parliament, was recently
by the European Parliament to compose a report on „regional
and lesser used European languages - the languages of the
minorities within the EU considering EU-enlargement and
cultural variety“.
As early as in 2000 Michl Ebner organized together with
FUEN a meeting in Strasbourg for NGO´s dealing with
minorities and small language-groups on the topic Human
Rights of the EU and the linguistic and cultural variety of Europe.
f.l.t.r. Dr. Andreas SELMECI, Society for Threatened Peoples,
Dr. Michl EBNER and the FUEN-vicepresidents Hans Heinrich
HANSEN and Dr. Ludwig ELLE.
l
With several resolutions which demanded better protection
for lesser used languages in the 1980s and 1990s, the
European Parliament has already shown commitment and
motivation in this issue.
But now the EU is confronted with new challenges. On the
one hand the enlargement of the EU will enrich the cultural
and liguistic variety but it will also raise new questions in the
field of minority protection. On the other hand the important
educational and cultural programmes of the EU are standing
before far reaching reforms.
So for the European Parliament this is the right moment
for not just taking stand on the suggestions of the European
Commission but for venturing more and suggesting a legal
initiative for better support of minority languages referring to
the so-called »EBNER-report«
The Framework Convention for the
protection of national minorities from FUEN members point of view
Evaluation of Questionnaire to the FUEN-Member organisations
Regarding a questionaire to FUEN member organisations asking for
information on the involvement of representatives of ethnic groups
affected in the compilation of the state reports for the charter, the
presidium wanted to know whether positive results can be documented
regarding the ratification of the Framework Convention for the protection
of national minorities. The results are evaluated are available on following link
http://www.fuen.org/pds/20030422FCNM_E.pdf
Welt:„Protection of national minorities
should also be part of the European Constitution“
After his first visits to the national minorities in Germany (Danes,
Frisians and Gypsies) and to the German minority in Denmark and
first meetings with their umbrella organisations the Federal
Government Commissioner for Matters Related to Repatriates
and National Minorities in Germany, MP Jochen WELT, declared:
»The national minorities in Germany and Denmark have deeply
impressed me with their engagement, their language cultivation
and the variety of their cultural work. Their wish for constitutional
protection of their status seems to me quite understandable. The 2/3rd
majority, which is needed for the inclusion of an appropriate article into
the German basic law, is unfortunately not reachable in the German
»Bundestag« at the moment.
A chance must be seen, however, in the ongoing drafting of a
European constitution. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights already
contains in article 21, p.1 the forbidding of discrimination because
of membership of a national minority as well as in article 22 the
necessity to respect the variety of cultures, religions and languages.
These two norms have to be interpreted in coherence and fulfill the
justified requests of national minorities. But the Charter of
Fundamental Rights is not legally binding yet. So the Federal
Government argues for the integration of the charter into the European
constitution. It is to be hoped that such a European constitution
will have positive feedbacks regarding the constitutional
development of the member states in future«
Old Board, New Name
Annual Assembly of the Frisian Association »Foriining for nationale Friiske«
Last Friiday (20030426) the Foriining for nationale Friiske
(North Frisian minority) hosted to its annual assembly. After the votes,
where chairman Jörgen JENSEN HAHN as well as his two deputies,
the president of the North Frisian Council Ingwer NOMMENSEN and
MP Lars HARMS (SSW) were re-elected, the national Frisians decided
to rename the organisation „Friisk Foriining“ (Frisian Association).
„The term national in the name stood for striving to be officially
recognized as a national minority. With the inclusion of the Frisians
in Germany into the European Framework Convention and the
Language Charter this aim has been reached“, said HAHN.
The Deputy chairman and president of the Frisian Council added:
„Friisk Foriining says it all: We are the supraregional Frisian organisation
with a Frisian name, working in Frisian for Frisians. This can be
remembered by everyone.“ All members agreed that the name
should not change the work of the Friisk Foriining in content.
Heinz-Werner Arens accompanied
by FUEV-Delegation in Brussels
FUEN-Vicepresident Hans Heinrich Hansen and
FUEN-Projectmanager Uwe Jessen accompany delegation
of the Land Schleswig-Holstein to Brussels
Within the framework of the topic minority languages
a delegation which consisted of representatives of the
Land Schleswig-Holstein travelled to Brussels on 14th and
15th April. The delegation was led by the President of the
Schleswig-Holstein Parliament, Mr. Heinz Werner ARENS.
Uwe Jessen (left) and Hans Heinrich Hansen
in Brussels
The programme was prepared by the Hanse Office in Brussels.
There were talks with the former minister Dr. Franz
FROSCHMEIER, Sylvia VLAEMINCK, Head of Dept. languages
education and culture and responsible for the process of
enlargement, EU-Convention, the Bureau for Lesser Used
Languages EBLUL and finally with the staff of the Hanse-Office.
The FUEN-representatives took the opportunity to introduce
the seminars for autothonous languages groups without
so-called »kin-state« which are supported by the Land
Schleswig-Holstein
Schleswig-Holstein and the Regional Parliament
of Pomerania increase their cooperation
International conference from 09th - 12th April 2003
in Hohwacht/Schleswig-Holstein
On the invitation of the president of the Land Schleswig-Holstein,
Heinz Werner ARENS, a two days conference was held with the
topic »Intercultural Training«
F.l.t.r. President of the Regional Parliament of Pomerania Prof. Brunon Synak,
Vice President of the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament, Dr. Gabriele Kötschau
and FUEN-Vice President Hans Heinrich Hansen
Besides the former president of the Danish Folketing, Prof. Erling
OLSEN, the president of the Regional Parliament of Pommerania,
Prof. Brunon SYNAK, the vice-president of the Regional Parliament
of Skåne, Dr. Percy LIEDHOLM representatives of FUEN also
participated in this conference. FUEN was represented by
Vicepresident Hans Heinrich HANSEN and Executive Secretary
Frank NICKELSEN.
All others participants belonged to all regions, with which
Schleswig-Holstein maintains partnership relations.
The a/m event is included in a few events regarding the partnership
between Schleswig-Holstein and the Regional Parliament of
Pommerania. Also the minority seminar in Starbienino belong to such
programme (> press release no. 19)
Cornish visit the FUEN Secretariat General
Within the framework of a working session with the
North Frisian organisation „Foriining for nationale Friiske“
(Association for National Frisians) three Cornish representatives
(see photo) from FUEN´s associated member organisation
„An Seneth Stenak Kernowek“ (The Cornish Stannary
Parliament) and the language association Agan Tavas
(Our Language) stayed in North Friesland from 10th-13th
April 2003 During these days they also took the opportunity
to visit the FUEN Secretariat General in Flensburg. Among the
visitors was also Dr. Nigel HICKS, candidate for the forthcoming
election as FUEN vice-president.
F.l.t.r: Andrew Climo-Thompson, Rodney Nute and Dr. Nigel Hicks
After FUEN Executive Secretary Frank NICKELSEN introduced
the delegates to the aims and actual work of the FUEN there
was time for questions and discussion. The Cornish are
especially interested in FUEN´s future programme for small
ethnic groups without a so-called kin-state. In this connection
they also confirmed the participation of the Cornish minority
at the 2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« in
Poland (see press release no 19) which will take place from
10th - 11th June 2003 at the Kasubian Folk University
in Starbienino.
Within the FUEN the Cornish have built up some international
contacts, especially with the North Frisians. Both are small
minorities without a/m kin-state and want to develop a
closer partnership.
Further information:
http://www.c-s-p.abelgratis.com
http://www.friiske.de
Prof. Karl Stojka died
The Auschwitz survivor, Austrian gypsy, editor and painter
Prof. Karl Stojka is died on 10th April in Vienna.
His death is greatly regretted
Prof. Rudolf Sarközi
Chairman - Kulturverein österreichischer Roma
http://www.kv-roma.at
Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe establish
informal INTERGROUP for minority issues
The Presidium of the Union has decided to re-establish
an INTERGROUP of members of the Council of Europe
with the aim of supporting its human rights activities and
most particularly those concerned with minority communities,
such as the implementation of fundamental rights.
This intergroup would be the counterpart of that of the
European Parliament working in the interests of “lesser used
languages” (> EBLUL). It already existed in the 1990s under the
presidency of V Gotzen, the Bulgarian member of parliament who
subsequently became Minister of Justice in Bulgaria.
Under the chairmanship of the former FUEN-president, the
Breton Per LE MOINE he first stage consisted of gaining the
interest of members of parliament in our project and finding a
leader, if only on a provisional basis, until the final constitution
of our Intergroup has taken place.
The members of parliament Gyorgy FRUNDA (Romania) and
Theo MAISSEN (Switzerland) have agreed to share this role
and I am sending them immediate confirmation along with
my warmest thanks.
Further sessions of this kind are planned
The change of structure of regional and local authorities
also concerns the German minority in Denmark
Contact Council in Copenhagen
»The Danish Government knows that a change of structure of
regional and local authorities
also concerns the German minority in Denmark«, said the chairman
of the so-called Contact Council, Minister for Internal Affairs
Lars LØKKE RASMUSSEN, oat the last meeting (20030331) in Copenhagen.
»A reform is not directed against the German minority. We know that the
situation near the border region is very specific« said Lars LØKKE RASMUSSEN.
The chairman of the German minority in Denmark (Bund deutscher
Nordschleswiger BdN), Hans Heinrich HANSEN, drew attention to the fact
that a change of structure of regional and local authorities will cause the
Region of Nordschleswig to lose its influence.
»Denmark should not only focus on the Øresund-Region, Denmark should
also care about the German-Danish border region«, said Hans Heinrich HANSEN
Further details available
presse@bdn.dk
http://www.nordschleswig.dk
2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state«
in Starbienino / Poland
FUEN-Seminar from 10th to 11th June 2003 at the Kasubian Folk University in Starbienino
In cooperation with the Regional Parliament of Pomerania, the Parliament of
Schleswig-Holstein and the Kasubian – Pomeranian Association FUEN
is planning the 2nd Seminar for minorities without »kin-state« on 10th and
11th June 2003 in the Kasubian Folk University in Starbienino.
The seminar deals with the problems of small ethnic groups without a
cultural motherland, which differ from those of the greater national
minorities, which are mostly supported by financial and cultural help from
their kin-states.
The follwing groups will be focused on: Kasubians, Lithuanian representatives,
Rhaetians, Ladins, West-Frisians, North-Frisians, Sorbs, Saami People
in Scandinavia and the Cornish. The organisers expect up to 50 persons
from 11 different states.
The first seminar of this kind was held in Sankelmark/ Schleswig-Holstein.
Simply click onto the follwing link
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20020814DOKUSankelmark.pdf
»Non Governmental organisations and local and regional democracy«
Carinthian Slovene Dr. Mirjam Polzer-Srienz represented FUEN in Budapest
Within the framework of the event "NGO´s and local and regional
democracy" the "Liaison Committee of Independent Non Governmental
Organizations (INGO)" of the COE organized a conference with
representatives of different European NGO´s and the Council of Europe
from 28th Ferbuary to 01st March 2003 at the European Youth Centre in Budapest.
The Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) was represented
by Dr Mirjam POLZER-SRIENZ (see picture) from the Council of Carinthian Slovenes.
The main topic of the conference was the discussion about existing possibilities
of cooperation between NGO´s and local and regional authorities and distribution
of duties between governmental organisations on
international, national, regional and local levels and NGO´s.
Even if the conference is called "an important step on the way to an
improved cooperation of governmental organisations and NGO´s" Ms
Dr. POLZER-SRIENZ critcized the fact that minority topics were not discussed
in detail. A short description of the current situation of the Carinthian Slovenes,
which was ordered by INGO as a representative example before
the conference, was not included into the programme after all.
The conference ended with a joint declaration of the participants
(Budapest Declaration on NGO´s and local and regional democracy)
which is available at the following link:
http://www.coe.int/T/E/NGO/public/News/articles/Budapest_Declaration_010303.asp#TopOfPage
Romanian Social Democrats and
Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania
decide close cooperation
On the 19th February 2003 Adrian Nastase, chairman of the
Social Democratic Party of Romania, and the chairman of the Democratic
Alliance of Hungarians in Romania, Mr. Bela Marko, signed an
agreement for closer cooperation between the two parties.
This cooperation relates strongly to minority issues, both parties
want to support minorities within Romania as well as Romanian
minorities abroad, especially in Hungary. Also problems of those
Romanians living in areas in Romania with a Hungarian majority are
in the focus of interest.
Both parties welcome a continued monitoring of the implementation
of the Law on the Status of Hungarians Abroad.
Apart from minority issues both sides agree on future arrangements
and common lines of action, e.g. in reducing corruption, support
of economic impetus and institutional reforms according to EU standards.
Further information on the cooperation-paper under:
Further information available:
http://www.psd.ro
http://www.rmdsz.ro
Invitation from the Youth of European Nationalities
to their Easter Seminar
YEN-Easter Seminar from 11th - 18th April 2003
This year Once again the Youth of European Nationalities
would like to invite you to its traditional Easter Seminar. In the
framework of the topic „MENS 2003“ about 150 young representatives
of minorities between the age of 16 - 35 will be meeting in
St. Jacob/Austria. The hosts will be the Carinthian Slovenes who are
organizing the main convention of the organisation this year.
Besides the assembly of delegates and varied fringe events several
workshops will ensure that the participants are not be bored and have
the opportunity to take home with them knowledge for the work in their
organizations at home.
Dealing with the structural and organisational development of the European
umbrella organisation for youth-organisations of minorities and ethnic
groups the so called „YEN-workshop“ will be the focus of the interest.
„YEN is confronted with great challenges which can only be overcome
by us all ogether“, said YEN president Jan Diedrichsen during his latest
contact-visit to the FUEN Secretariat General.
A further task of the YEN-workshop will also be the planning and
preparation of the next Easter Seminar 2004 in the German-Danish
border region where YEN was founded as an independant organisation
20 years ago. For this reason the association is planning a great
anniversary event.
Other workshops at „MENS 2003“ will deal with identity, media, theatre,
songs and - for very interested parties, the Slovenian language.
Further information available on
http://www.yeni.org
Ivar Hansen, President of the Danish Parliament †
Further details
http://www.folketinget.dk
Otto Heinek reelected
Assembly of the Germans in Hungary
The Germans in Hungary held their constitutional meeting on 22nd
February 2003. The assembly which consists of 53 delegates reelected
its present president, Mr Otto HEINEK (see photo) for one more period.
Further member of the board were also reelected: Dr. Eliabeth
KNAB (responsible for foreign contacts), Franz ERDEI (culture), Dr.
Gabor FRANK (education), Dr. Michael JOZAN-JILLING (social affairs),
Emmerich RITTER (economy and finance) and finally the Dr. Wendelin
ALBERT (control council).
Further details
http://www.ldu.hu
http://www.extra.hu/neuezeitung
48th FUEN-Congress of Nationalities
from 28 May - 01 June 2003 in Bolzano / Bozen
The President of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN), Mr
Romedi Arquint, takes great pleasure in inviting you to the 48th FUEN-Congress of
Nationalities from 28 May - 01 June 2003 in Bolzano/Bozen (Italy)
The opening and the FUEN Assembly of Delegates will take place in the
»House of Culture«. Further topics such as workshops and status reports
will take place in the European Academy of Bolzano/Bozen. Accomodation
is available in various hotels in Bolzano / Bozen or in the near surrounding.
All necessary details such as the programme are available on following link:
http://www.fuen.org/pages/english/e_5b_2002.html
YEN wants to present ideas and visions
YEN President Jan Diedrichsen visited FUEN Secretariat General on20.02.2003
In the framework of the 48th FUEN Congress of Nationalities the
FUEN-Presidium decided at its last meeting to give YEN
(http://www.yeni.org) the opportunity to present their ideas and visions.
For this reason YEN President Jan Diedrichsen took the opportunity
to visit the FUEN Secretariat in order to receive more information
about the a/m conference.
Diedrichsen also reported about a further so-called competence
meeting of YEN in March. From 07th until 9th March there will be a
meeting of European, Non-Governmental Youth organisations at the
youth centre »Knivsberg« (DK). »YEN is confronted with new, great
and interesting challenges - we are moving towards a
professionalization of work as a youth organisation. If we want to master
this chosen way effectively we´ll all have to activate all our powers
and find strategies and solutions. That is the reason for the meeting«, said
the President of YEN, Jan Diedrichsen.
F.l.t.r: Gary Funck, Dep. Secretary, Jan Diedrichsen
and FUEN Executive Secretary Frank Nickelsen
Again the youth centre »Knivsberg«, run by the German Youth association
for Northern Slesvig, and the youthgroup »Jungen Spitzen« have shown
themselves quite flexible and cooperate in the organisation for the
meeting for the 25 young people from throughout Europe.
No right to affirm cornish ethnicity in school.
For some considerable time, it has been the practice in many schools in
Cornwall to reject pupil assertions of Cornish identity and ethnicity.
On 7 May 2002, a member of the Cornish Stannary Parliament submitted the
following public question to Cornwall County Council, in its role as
Local Education Authority, under regulations relating to access to local
authority information: “Will Cornwall County Council inform Cornish
students of their right to affirm in school, without fear of
discrimination, their Cornish and Celtic ethnicity under Article 10 of
the European Convention on Human Rights?”
On 22 May 2002, the legal department of Cornwall County Council
responded in the following manner: “all students have equal rights and
are therefore free to confirm their Cornish and Celtic ethnicity without
interference by public authority.” This statement was clearly made at a
time when a decision not to include “Cornish” in a forthcoming national
ethnic background survey, had already been made.
In January 2003, despite this positive statement, Cornish school
children were denied their right to freedom of expression in the
state-wide ethnic background survey, conducted in Cornwall by the
Cornwall Education Authority on behalf of the Department for Education
and Skills (DfES). The DfES had initially informed Cornwall Education
Authority that the same ethnic categories employed for the purposes of
the national 2001 Census, in which the Cornish were officially
recognised as an ethnic category, would be used in the analysis. DfES
guidelines stipulated that the Education Authority itself was
responsible for informing the Department of local ethnic categories and
that information was required for formulating future funding programmes
for ethnic minorities. Cornwall Education Authority ignored this
responsibility and requested the DfES to exclude the Cornish from the
Department’s “key list” of ethnic categories. It has not, so far, been
possible to confirm whether or not official Council minutes exist
relating to a full Council decision on the matter. There was no public
consultation.
With no opportunity to declare their ethnic background in the survey,
many children and their parents were so outraged that they wrote in
“Cornish” on the forms. Their passions were further inflamed by the
discovery that schools had subsequently given them an alternative
ethnicity category claiming that the school computer software systems,
developed by the DfES in London, were unable to accept the ethnic
background category, “Cornish”.
A very peculiar situation now exists in Cornwall in which the many
people who described themselves as “Cornish” in the 2001 nationwide
Census do not, apparently, have “Cornish” children in state schools.
Cornish school children, as a result of unwarranted “interference by
public authority”, are statistically invisible within Britain and, as a
direct consequence of an administrative decision, are denied access to
the funds which should be available to them as members of an ethnic
minority.
The Carinthian Slovenes protest against
the end of Slovenian Radio programme
....»Radio services for the Slovenian ethnic group in Carinthia could
finally come to an END at the end of March. The political context of the
issue relating to place-name signs and the “Consensus Conference” convened
by Chancellor Schüssel is evident.
In an interview in Kärntner Woche, LH Haider announced that he wanted to “put
a stop to the game” of those forces within the Slovenian ethnic group urging
implementation of the VfGH acknowledgement with regard to bilingual place-name
signs. His words were: “I’ve already taken the first step by switching off Radio dva!”
Chancellor Schüssel also announced, after the failure of the Consensus Conference,
that there would be no efforts to continue minority radio in Carinthia. The Slovenian
ethnic group is thus being subjected to political pressure.
In this situation, action must be taken, in particular by the federal government, to
secure a lasting, round-the-clock Slovenian radio service.
The Slovenian ethnic group does not intend to accept the loss of its radio without
a fight. In just a few weeks, over 8,600 declarations of support for the continuation
of the round-the-clock Slovenian or bilingual radio programme of Radio dva and
Radio Agora were collected. The federal government, however, turned a deaf ear.
Since the beginning of the year, the staff of Radio dva have been producing the
programme on an honorary basis (without remuneration). In the first week of February,
four staff members of Radio dva gave further emphasis to the need for upholding
ethnic radio services in Carinthia by going on a limited-period, five-day hunger strike.
If no long-term continuation of round-the-clock Slovenian radio can be secured, they
will embark on a hunger strike for an indefinite period.
After pressing their case repeatedly, the Slovenian central organisations were
assured an appointment with the state secretary for media questions, Franz Morak,
on 20 February 2003. When it hands over the declarations of support, the Slovenian
ethnic group expects the government to take an initial step towards a lasting solution
with regard to a round-the-clock radio programme for the Slovenian ethnic group.
The complete press release is available at
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030217Kslowenen-e.pdf
Fellow minority supporters
Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Germany for Resettlers' Issues
and National Minorities in Germany, Jochen Welt, visited the minorities in
the German-Danish-Frisian border region.
Jochen WELT (see photo), who has been responsible both for resettlers' issues as well as for the national minorities in the Federal Republic of Germany since November 2002, visited the German-Danish-Frisian border region on 17 and 18 February 2003. Visits were made to the Danish minority in Germany (http://www.sydslesvig.de), the German minority in Denmark, the Frisian ethnic group as well as the Roma and Sinti.
»As a delegate for national minorities I understand my task as being a fellow minority supporter« Jochen WELT stated during a visit to the German minority in Northern Schleswig to obtain information there on 17 February.
He was accompanied by the Minority Delegate of the Schleswig-Holstein state government, Renate SCHNACK, and by Ministry Delegate Dr Detlev REIN from the Ministry of the Interior.
Further information about Jochen WELT's visit can be found at:
http://www.nordschleswig.dk
http://www.sydslesvig.de
http://www.friiske.de
Hungerstrike for Slovenian broadcasting in Carinthia
North Frisian organisations express their solidarity
The days of the Slovenian language radio station, known as »dva«
would seem to be numbered. The national radio for Austria
"Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF)" concluded this promising
cooperational project "minority radio in Carinthia", which offered a
Slovenian full programme for the Slovenian minority in Carinthia. »With
such cooperation demands of important international agreements,
such as the European Framework Convention for the Protection of
National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority
languages have been brought to life", according to the chairman
of the North Frisian Council Ingwer NOMMENSEN.
Since the beginning of the year Radio dva has not received any
further financial support and the programme is made by Radio dva`s
employees in an honorary capacity without any payment. 8600 signatures
have been received for the retention of the programme.
The Austrian Chancellor Schüssel has not yet found time to be
presented with signatures for the maintenance of the programme.
Since Monday a couples of days employees of Radio dva have
underlined their demands for the survival of the
minority radio by staging a hunger strike.
Representatives of the Foriining for nationale Friiske (Association
for National Frisians), the North Frisian Institute and the North Frisian
Council support the Slovenian minority with their call to the Austrian
government for adherence to the European
Agreements signed by Austria and for a solution which guarantees a long
term Slovenian language radio programme in Carinthia. »Everything seems
to be a political decision«, said Jörgen HAHN, chairman of the Foriining
for nationale Friiske. »This is shown by the fact that, in spite of many
interventions, Chancellor Schüssel has not yet been prepared to
present his opinion in this matter. Minority languages need special
support such as presence in the mass media«, added by Thede BOYSEN,
chairman of the Foundation North Frisian Institute.
The Foriining for Nationale Friiske (http://www.friiske.de), which has
organized study and language excursions to different European
minorities has also visited the Carinthian Slovenes twice - last time
summer 2001- noticed the success of the Slovenian language radio
programme.
Support Radio Agora and Radio DVA!
Via internet you can support the continued existence of Radio Agora and
Radio DVA (see press release 2002-55)
The Slovenians language and Slovenian and Germans language programmes of
Radio DVA and Radio Agora are in danger
Via internet you can support the continued existence of Radio Agora and
Radio DVA:
http://www.agora.at
FUEN talked to EU Parliamentarians
FUEN-Delegation on 03th February 2003 in Kiel
The chairman of the European committee in the Schleswig-Holsteinian
Parliament, Mr. Rolf FISCHER and the Commissioner for Minority Affairs
and chairwoman of the FUEN-Advisory Board, Ms Renate SCHNACK invited
different minority organisations among them also FUEN to an informal meeting
with two EU Parliamentarians Christian
VON BOETTICHER (CDU) and Willi PIECYK (SPD) am 03. Februar in Kiel.
The meeting was the second of this kind. The first one took place in 2002, where
representatives of the German-Danish-Frisian border region – the Danish minority
(http://www.sydslesvig.de), and the Frisian minority (http://www.friiske.de) in Germany
and the German minority in Denmark (http://www.nordschleswig.dk) were invited
in order to focus on the application procedures written by the European Commission.
FUEN was represented by Vice-President Hans Heinrich
HANSEN, EU-Project Coordinator, Uwe JESSEN and Executive Secretary Frank NICKELSEN.
7th Congress of the Hungarians in Romania
reelected its president Béla MARKÓ
FUEV-President Romedi Arquint in Satu Mare
The »Romániai Magyar Demokrata Szövetség« (Democratic Alliance
of Hungarians in Romania DAHR http://www.rmdsz.ro) held its 7th Congress
from 31st January to 2nd February. This conference which was welcomed
by Adrian NASTASE, Prime Minister of Romania and Péter MEDGYESSY,
Prime Minister of Hungary focused also on the regular assembly. Among
other topics, 326 out of 398 representatives of the congress voted for the
reelection of Mr. Béla MARKÓ as the president of the Alliance.
In the framework of the welcoming speeches, FUEN-President Romedi Arquint (see photo left)
thanked and drew attention to the good cooperation between Hungarians
in Romania and FUEN. Furthermore ARQUINT stressed that the political
atmosphere in Romania has changed:
»It was a historic decision when DAHR passed the resolution to become
a coalition partner in the Romanian government. This happened at a time when
ethnic conflicts were breaking out all around Europe; there were civil wars and
ethnic cleansing as the order of the day and the antiquated ideology celebrated
the position of ONE people, ONE language, ONE mutual history as being the
absolutely essential elements of a state.«
ARQUINT finished his speech with following final point: ...»in the framework
of the new Europe the national minorities play a key role. As loyal state
communities, they will become fruitful buffer zones preventing the head-on
collision of various national mentalities. They will become osmotic exchange
vessels guaranteeing an encounter, cultural contact and constructive cooperation«
Finally ARQUINT wished the Hungarian community all the best for the future
and on behalf of FUEN he offered any help needed.
The whole manuscript is available on the following link:
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030131RASatuMare_e.pdf
FUEN answers European Commission questionnaire
The European Commission plans to continue The European Year
of Languages 2001 which has been a success. It is planned that
the European Commission will provide a plan of actions to the European
Parliament and the European Council with the topic »Support of Lingual
Variety and Language Training« which belong to joint programmes that
are covered by the Commission.
Furthermore it is planned to collect all experiences from local authorities,
organisations and individuals, who are all involved in »Support of Lingual Variety
and Language Training« The Commission has provided online consultation
which was available on
http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/languages/inquiry/index.cfm?language=EN
FUEN answered to this questionnaire a couple of days ago. Basically FUEN
has the opinion that the European Year of Languages 2001 in particular
and the policy on Languages do take too little account of the dayly use
of those minority languages
The seven FUEN-answers are available on
http://www.fuen.org/pdfs/20030205EUquestionnaire_e.pdf
President should be elected by referendum
German minority hopes for Petr Pithart
To the regret of the German minority, Petr Pithart was not elected new president
on 15 January. As none of the other candidates obtained the necessary majority,
the constitution lays down that a second election has to take place within two weeks.
The parties may nominate new candidates for this—including ex-premier Milos Zeman
rejected by all Germans living in the country.
Prague: the ceremony in the Spanish Hall of the Prague Hradschin lasted more than
nine hours, and at the end no one was any wiser. Because the election assembly did
not manage to elect either of the four candidates as a successor to Václav Havel. Most
votes were obtained by Václav Klaus, while the secret favourite, Petr Pithart, was denied
support particularly by the House of Delegates. To the regret of the German minority,
as a survey showed.
Of the four candidates in the first round, three-quarters of respondents felt Petr
Pithart was the most suitable candidate. Compared to Klaus he is considered to
be less arrogant and more tolerant. With this, the Germans living there agree with
the general trend that Pithart is a compromise as a candidate who is accepted but
does not cause great enthusiasm. Klaus is wanted by only a few, like Josef Melecky
from Kravare. The ex-premier is still being reproached with last year's election campaign
before the parliamentary elections during which he stirred up an anti-German mood.
Herman Borsutzky from Stepánkovice commented: "I used to support Klaus, but I
am now disappointed". Milos Zeman, a social democrat possibly standing for the
second election round, is considered unfeasible after his anti-German attacks a year
ago. "If Zeman were to become president, it would be a catastrophe," Lothar Porsche
from Liberec exclaimed emphatically, "Hopefully not Zeman" said Krista Hrubá from
Cheb or Emma Marx from Vetrní, "to say nothing of Zeman". Dora Müller from Brno
would like to see the CSSD nominate Otakar Motejl who was beaten during the
selection of candidates by Jaroslav Bure . Many respondents did not want to
definitely comment on the chances of certain candidates. Of those giving a tip,
fifty per cent spoke in favour of Klaus. Pithart received 30 per cent, Zeman still
managed almost 20 per cent. However, the respondents voted clearly for a change
in the election system. "Political negotiations seem to me like horse-trading," Günter
Fiedler from Trutnov commented, speaking as a representative for many as to why the
President should better be directly elected by the people. Marie Zajícková from Bolatice
said that it was, in fact, correct for the Senate and the House of Delegates to elect the
President, "but in the face of this situation, it would be better for the people to vote".
Gerd Lemke
Landeszeitung 21th Januarary 2003
http://www.landeszeitung.cz
Russian Association of the Indigenous People visits FUEN
In the framework of a informal vist in Flensburg FUEN was visited by the Russian
Association of the Indigenous People of the North RAIPON.
Representatives from this organisation who were accompanied by Pritt Järve
from the European Centre for Minority Issues (http://www.ecmi.de) visited the
FUEN-Secretariat and were intruduced to the work and aims of the FUEN by
Executive Secretary Frank Nickelsen.
RAIPON (http://www.raipon.org) was established in 1990 at the first
Congress of Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation. The Association is aimed at
protection of human rights and legal interests of the indigenous peoples
of the North, Siberia, and Far East of Russia, solution of social and
economic problems, environmental and health issues, cultural development
and education. It is working to ensure rights for land use and
resources, as well as for self-government according to the international
legal standards.
The Russian Association of the Indigenous People of the North is
actively participating in development and implementation of the Federal
State Program on Economic and Cultural Development of Indigenous
Peoples. In cooperation with parliament (State Duma) and government of
the Russian Federation RAIPON is working on legislation of the
indigenous peoples living conditions and economy.
Association comprises of more than 200.000 indigenous individual
members, organized into 34 regional Association chapters. Being the only
umbrella organization representing 40 indigenous peoples of the North,
Siberia and Far East of the Russian Federation. RAIPON believes it is
important to have an opportunity to be an effective part of the
decision-making process, which in the end will effect the lives and
situations of not only indigenous peoples but the entire society of
Russia as well.
RAIPON is a permanent participant at the Arctic Council, established by
the Arctic countries. Experts of the Association are participating in
the permanent working groups of the Arctic Council on biodiversity
conservation and protection from ecological disasters. RAIPON regularly
takes part in sessions of the UN related to indigenous issues.
RAIPON has a special consultative status under the UN economic and
social council (ECOSOC). RAIPON became a laureate of UNEP Global 500
Award in 1999.
Presently RAIPON is implementing a joint project with Inuit Circumpolar
Conference (ICC-Canada) on development of self-government of indigenous
peoples and economic development; in cooperation with danish NGOs a
project on assistance to initiatives of the indigenous peoples of Russia
in the field of environment, economy and education. RAIPON is involved
in different international projects related to indigenous and
environmental issues as a partner.
EU supports Euro regions
The European Parliament focused on the future of regions on 16 January 2003 in Strasbourg
(Napoletano Report). According to the amendment of the Vice-President of the Committee for
Constitutional Affairs, the German MEP from Saarland, Jo Leinen, (www.joleinen.de)
the European Parliament has agreed to increase the cross-border cooperation in Europe.
The Parliament calls upon the European Commission in Brussels to install a European
Statute for Cross-Border Cooperation in Europe. The aim is to reduce bureaucracy in
order to help municipalities in their daily work with neighbours. The parliament calls
upon the European Commission to install the above-mentioned guidelines to support
Euro regions in the European Constitution.
Furthermore the parliament calls upon the convention to examine the roles of regional
and local territorial bodies within the European structure in the form that seems most
reasonable to it, and, among numerous amendments to the agreements, proposes
including the following new article 151 a in the EC agreement:
'Within is responsibility, the community respects and promotes lingual diversity in Europe,
including regional or minority languages as an expression of this diversity, by promoting
cooperation between member states and applying other suitable tools to achieve this objective.'
Jo Leinen (right) with FUEN President Romedi Arquint
played a major role in the strengthening of the Euro regions.