[ALBSA-Info] EU enlargement and Copenhagen criteria on minorities

[Agron Alibali]

Subject: EU accession criteria and the Framework Convention


Dear MINELRES list members, 

How the EU accession condition (so called Copenhagen criterion) of
"respect for minorities" in the candidate countries should be
interpreted? In particular, is ratification and fair implementation of
the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities a
necessary prerequisite to meet this criterion? These questions are
probably the most topical now on the "minority rights agenda" in
Central Eastern Europe. In this view, the following excerpts from the
Parliamentary question and the European Commission's answer might be
of interest to us. 


WRITTEN QUESTION E-0620/01

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 March 2001)

Subject: Respect for regional and minority languages

In reply to a previous question (E-3702/00)(1) on the diversity of
languages in the European Union, Commissioner Reding said that respect
for linguistic and cultural diversity was one of the main principles
of the Union.

...........

2. Is the Commission prepared to spell out the Copenhagen criteria's
rather vague description of "respect for minorities" so that minority
languages can be respected and protected? 

...........


Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission 
(15 May 2001)

...........

2. The criteria for Membership laid down at the Copenhagen European
Council in 1993 include "the respect for and protection of
minorities". In assessing progress made by the candidate countries
with regard to this criterion, the Commission devotes particular
attention to the respect for, and the implementation of, the various
principles laid down in the Council of Europe Framework Convention for
the Protection of National Minorities, including those related to the
use of minority languages.



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