Today, in the SEDEC Commission of the European Committee of the Regions, the vote took place on the draft report concerning the EU Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026\u20132030.<\/p>\n
The CoR members representing the autochthonous communities of the Carpathian Basin voted against the adoption of the draft, after our amendments were rejected by the majority.<\/p>\n
Not because we oppose the fight against racism. But because this text \u2014 in its current form \u2014 does not protect autochthonous national minorities. It does not distinguish between them and migrant communities. It opens regulatory frameworks that could endanger centuries-old cultural identity, the use of symbols, mother-tongue education and the self-governance of local communities.<\/p>\n
This is unacceptable.<\/p>\n
What was the problem with the draft?<\/p>\n
The EU Anti-Racism Strategy has an important goal. Discrimination must be fought \u2014 this is beyond dispute. But the Brussels draft was blind to an essential reality: autochthonous ethnic minorities \u2014 like several other European communities \u2014 are also exposed to discrimination. And not as foreigners, but in their own homeland.<\/p>\n
The submitted amendments requested the following:<\/p>\n
The right to mother-tongue education should also be guaranteed and financed at EU level.<\/p>\n
The protection of cultural symbols, traditions and identity markers should not fall victim to overly broad interpretations of legislation against hate speech.<\/p>\n
EU funds should not reach regions only through the filter of capital cities \u2014 direct access to funding must be ensured for minority regions as well.<\/p>\n
Local anti-racism action plans should be developed with the involvement of minority representative bodies.<\/p>\n
What was the result?<\/p>\n
The European People\u2019s Party, the EPP, supported the amendments \u2014 every proposal received positive votes from EPP representatives. This is an important result and an important alliance.<\/p>\n
However, the socialist, liberal and green groups did not join. The amendments did not pass.<\/p>\n
The draft \u2014 without amendments \u2014 was adopted in the SEDEC Commission.<\/p>\n
But the fight is not over.<\/p>\n
Why did we not give up \u2014 and why will we not give up?<\/p>\n
In Brussels, things rarely succeed at the first attempt. Real change depends on lobbying, negotiations, persuasion and coalitions \u2014 not on a single vote.<\/p>\n
The next step is the October plenary session, between 12 and 14 October 2026, where the full European Committee of the Regions will vote. Until then, there is time:<\/p>\n
To convince the groups that have so far voted against us \u2014 the arguments are there, the coalition must be broadened.<\/p>\n
To build a common platform with the conservative groups and the European Alliance.<\/p>\n
To work in parallel with the European Parliament \u2014 the anti-racism strategy is also on the agenda there, and similar amendments and voices that receive attention are needed there as well.<\/p>\n
To show that the protection of autochthonous minorities is not opposed to human rights standards \u2014 it is an integral part of them.<\/p>\n
What is the message for home?<\/p>\n
We are in Brussels because if we do not speak up there, no one else will speak in our place.<\/p>\n
EU decisions are not made somewhere far away \u2014 they affect our schools, our symbols and our communities. Whoever does not participate today will be surprised by the result tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Our \u201cno\u201d vote today is not a defeat. It is a public statement that this issue cannot be closed without the voice of autochthonous minorities being heard.<\/p>\n
We continue. We argue. We negotiate. We do not give up.<\/p>\n
Because this is our duty. This is why we are here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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