EU urged to promote rights of minorities

A new report has called for more EU effort to improve the lives of minority groups in south-east Europe.

The report, by the UK-based Minority Rights Group International, says minority protection has not been given the necessary priority in the EU’s annual progress reports on accession countries.

It makes several recommendations aimed at improving ‘minority inclusion’ in the EU accession process of western Balkan countries.

These include making the protection of minorities a “central criteria” before such countries are allowed to join the EU.

The group’s director Mark Lattimer told a news conference, “Close examination of the annual reports shows a wide divergence between the EU messages and the realities that minorities face in their day-to-day lives.

“This is a good opportunity for the EU to press for improvements in minority protection.”

The report considers three crucial areas for minorities – participation in public life, employment and education.

“Lack of equality in these areas serves to keep minorities disadvantaged over generations and if this goes on unaddressed, the seeds for future conflict can begin to grow,” said Lattimer.

His comments were echoed by Bulgarian EPP-ED member Dushana Zdravkova who said that protection of the rights of minorities was “instrumental” in preserving peace.

“This has been shown, as we know, in ex-Yugoslavia and other countries,” he said.

“I think countries like Bulgaria and Romania have a role to play in sharing their experience in tackling this issue.”

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