European history has linked many national minorities to state borders. Not only did the territorial changes of the last two centuries alter the sovereignty of the European states, but they also shaped the identities and allegiances of the people living in the border regions. Many minority groups in the border regions of Europe continue to identify with the majority groups in bordering states. Most importantly, in recent years, many kin-states have also strengthened the ties with their kin-minority groups across borders. Although such ties remain a source of conflict in some parts of Europe, they are increasingly valued for their role to preserve European cultural diversity, improve the living conditions of minority groups in border regions, and stimulate inter-state relations and cross-border cooperation. In the context of the current discussions over the future of the European Union, national minorities in border regions represent a resource for deepening European integration.   

The two-week Summer School National Minorities and Border Regions aims to set out the conceptual and normative approaches to the study of national minorities in border regions and to explore their different applications in relation to current arrangements across Europe. Researchers from ECMI will be joined by distinguished international scholars, local politicians and representatives of minority groups from the Danish-German border region. Drawing on the effective collaboration between Germany and Denmark in the fields of minority accommodation and cross-border cooperation, ECMI’s research and policy consulting expertise, its engagement in conflict resolution, competence development and institution building in Kosovo and Georgia, and the empirical and normative expertise of the speakers, the Summer School promises a comprehensive examination of Europe’s national minorities in border regions.

For further information on the Summer School please click here.