Minority rights in Europe facing decline, experts warn

The status of national and linguistic minorities in Europe has declined compared to two decades ago, according to Astrid Thors, the former OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Thors notes that the rise of nationalism and an uncertain security environment in Europe have negatively impacted minority protections.

Thors highlights that political actors, specifically citing Vladimir Putin’s actions, have increasingly used minorities as political pawns. Furthermore, she observes that while the European Union rigorously monitors human rights during a country’s accession process via the Copenhagen criteria, follow-up and enforcement of minority rights often weaken once a nation has officially joined the EU.

Experts, including Sari Pesonen and Johan Häggman of FUEN, are also examining the uncertain future of minority politics in Sweden and across the continent as political landscapes shift.