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It is often said, that the nature of a nation state can be assessed by the way it treats its minorities and by the way these minorities are represented in the political and societal sphere. Countries like Finland, Belgium and Italy have a long tradition of National minorities, which elect their representatives to regional and national parliaments and have a certain degree of autonomy within the respective country. Other countries, like Romania and Serbia, have political parties that are mainly focusing on minority topics and try to voice them in the national capitals. In other parts of the world, National minorities are facing difficulties to achieve much more basic versions of rights and representation.

South Tyrol is oftentimes referred to as a role model region within Italy, where the German-speaking minority of the country enjoys far-reaching autonomy rights, elects its own parliament and is able to bring the topics that are closest to the heart of the people of the region to Rome. Can South Tyrol therefore serve as a best practice example for other regions in Europe and beyond? Which are the main pillars of South Tyrolean autonomy, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and which limitations do the people and decision-makers in the region still experience? Which role do National minorities play in the European Union, where internal border checks are abolished and many people live across National borders that some decades ago have been much harder to cross? 

We look forward to discuss the above-mentioned questions and topics with Arno Kompatscher, Governor of South Tyrol. The webinar is organized by the European Office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the KAS Office for Italy, Malta and the Holy See in Rome.

The event „The Role of National Minorities in the European Union – South Tyrol as a role model for other regions?” will take place on Wednesday, 31 May 2023, from 19:00-20:00 CET via Zoom. After the discussion between our speakers and the moderator, all participants are invited to share their questions and comments as well. Please register here

The KAS Offices in Brussels and Rome are looking forward to your participation!

Hier finden Sie das Programm zum Download: Programme 23-05-31 The Role of National Minorities in the European Union.pdf