FUEN calls for protection of Macedonian minority rights in Albania

The Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN) has officially requested support from the Macedonian Alliance for European Integration (MAEI) to implement a resolution regarding the Macedonian national minority in Albania. The resolution, originally proposed by the Macedonian Society ‘Ilinden’ – Tirana, was adopted during the FUEN annual congress in Helsinki on September 19, 2026.

Key demands of the resolution include the Albanian government signing and ratifying the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. It also calls for measures to protect the Macedonian identity from assimilation or external political pressures. Additionally, the resolution seeks to ensure that the Pustec Municipality remains a distinct local self-government unit without territorial changes or mergers during upcoming reforms.

FUEN President Olivia Schubert emphasized the organization's role in representing indigenous national minorities before international bodies like the UN, Council of Europe, EU, and OSCE. MAEI President Vasil Sterjoski welcomed the resolution, stating it is a significant step toward ensuring Macedonian minority rights receive attention at the European level.