European Union and minorities

The issue of minorities, which has always been a crucial problem in international relations, plays a significant role within the context of the European Union. In spite of a wide range of activities carried out on this issue by the main international organisations, neither a clear-cut definition of the term "minority", nor an internationally standardised legal basis has been determined yet. Partly linked to this situation, it is quite difficult to talk about a well-defined attitude concerning the issue of minorities within the context of European integration. However, parallel to the general tendency in the international field, as well as to the Union's transformation from an economic integration movement to a political one, a certain shift from "fight against discrimination" to the "protection of minorities" is observed. This shift is especially perceived in the Union's external relations, with particular respect to the candidate countries. However, as far as the internal affairs of the Union is concerned, the issue is addressed indirectly, mainly by fight against discrimination and by means of contributions to the regional movements. Additionally, different attitudes are observed at various levels of supra national organs, as well as among member states at national level. The main purpose of this study is to draw attention to the general ambiguity concerning the issue of minorities within the context of the European Union, with a rather descriptive approach, avoiding clear-cut explanatory remarks concerning the factors of this ambiguity. However, it is expected that some hints concerning these factors become clearer in the course of the study. VI