WTMUGA participates in FUEN European Forum of Minority Regions
The Western Thrace Minority Higher Education Graduates Association (WTMUGA) participated in the FUEN European Forum of Minority Regions held from 26 to 28 June 2025 in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia, making significant contributions on minority rights and European Union policies.
Representing WTMUGA at the forum were human rights experts Dr. Pervin Hayrullah and Kerem Abdurahimoğlu. The forum, themed “Talking Money – The Added Value of Minority Communities in Cross-Border Regions,” opened at the Vojvodina Regional Assembly building. The opening was attended by Members of the European Parliament as well as numerous local and national officials.
On the first day, discussions focused on the economic cooperation contributions of minority communities in cross-border regions. The host region of Vojvodina was highlighted as a positive example, and participants conducted a field visit to the Subotica/Szabadka border area.
The second day’s sessions addressed the role of minorities in candidate countries within the EU accession process.
During their speech, WTMUGA representatives emphasized the lack of a consistent and binding minority rights policy within the European Union.
They highlighted that the Copenhagen Criteria apply only to candidate countries and are not enforced by some member states, resulting in a double standard. They also noted that Greece still does not officially recognize the national minorities within its territory.
The forum concluded with a final session titled “Sport and Cross-Border Cooperation,” followed by the reading of a joint declaration.
