ECMI Infochannel

In this blog, the authors focus on recent developments regarding Irish and Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland. Beginning with the convening of a newly-devolved government in January 2024, they explore the impact of political instability on linguistic diversity in the region. Subsequently, initiatives such as the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 and the proposed establishment of an Office of Identity and Cultural Expression are examined. The authors argue for the need to go beyond parallel structures which align languages with identity politics, whilst highlighting that political elites often fail to acknowledge those who engage with a language associated with another political tradition. A key aspect to the argument is the need for policy interventions which support the development of distinct types of dialogue about language and which have transformative potential.

Between 28th June and 7th July, the Danish-German border region will host the fifth edition of Europeada, a football competition for European autochthonous minorities. This will bring together 24 men’s and 9 women’s teams, with the defending champions being South Tyrol and Team Koroška respectively. The main goal behind this blog post is to preview this event. To achieve this, the authors first unpack the importance of sport for minority identities through discussing several historical and contemporary examples, before specifically zooming in on this aspect in the host region. Subsequently, the focus is turned to the event itself with considerations concerning the format, financing, and its place within FUEN’s activities. The text concludes with a reflection on the significance of Europeada for the host region, participating minorities, its main organizer, and broader awareness-raising in relation to minority issues.