New group set up at the European Parliament focused on Europe’s minorities, national communities and languages

A new European Parliament Intergroup has been set up with the support of EFA MEPs François Alfonsi and Tatjana Ždanoka to be a focal point for discussion on the issues facing Europe’s minorities, national communities and languages.

Europe’s rich linguistic, national and regional diversity is one of its greatest strengths, but significant challenges that still exist for many groups. It is hoped that the newly reformed Intergroup for Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages will help protect and promote cultural and linguistic diversity across the EU.

EFA MEP François Alfonsi from Corsica was elected Co-Chair of the Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages intergroup, alongside fellow MEPs Kinga Gál (EPP) and Lóránt Vincze (EPP). All three are well known for their support of minority rights in the European Parliament. The group counts 42 MEPs from 18 EU member states.

At its inaugural meeting in Brussels recently, the group held a broad discussion on its possible work programme, focussing on the challenges facing Europe’s minorities.

François Alfonsi commented:

“Re-establishing the European Parliament’s Intergroup for Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages offers a platform for a wide range of issues related to minorities to find a voice at the European Parliament. We will be a forum for dialogue on minority issues both within the parliament and with other partners.”

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