In the European Union, 30 million out of 447 million people belong to an autochthonous national minority or speak a minority language, representing 192 distinct communities. Yet, despite their numbers, these communities remain largely underrepresented and face significant challenges. National minorities are often marginalized in political representation, subject to discrimination, and at times even targeted by populist rhetoric or state-backed aggression.
These minorities, however, are essential to the European fabric, embodying diversity and fostering the values of peaceful coexistence. They contribute vital perspectives to Europe’s political and cultural landscape and are instrumental in the development of democratic solutions. Despite their importance, the stories of these communities are rarely heard by the broader public.
To address this gap, the European Association of Daily Newspapers in Minority and Regional Languages (MIDAS) is proud to launch in collaboration with the Center for Autonomy Experience at Eurac Research a new blog dedicated to shining a spotlight on the challenges and achievements of national minorities across Europe.
Through a collection of articles, interviews, reports, and analyses, the blog will explore the unique situations these communities face, offering insight into their cultural resilience and ongoing efforts toward inclusion.
To ensure accessibility for a broad audience, all content will be published in English and will be available through the Eurac Research and the Center for Autonomy Experience, Eurac Research, websites.
Discover the blog here: https://www.eurac.edu/en/blogs/midas
With this initiative, MIDAS hopes to promote greater awareness, understanding, and recognition of the critical role that minority communities play in Europe’s future.