On 25-28 May, the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities held its first ever plenary meeting by videoconference. It approved the draft opinion on Malta which will now be sent to the State Party concerned for possible observations.

The Advisory Committee also adopted three country-specific opinions on the implementation of this Convention following the confidential dialogue procedure held with respective authorities since early March 2020: the 4th cycle opinion on Bulgaria was adopted on 26 May 2020. The 5th cycle opinions on Hungary and Spain were adopted on 26 and 27 May 2020. These opinions will be sent to the States Parties concerned for possible comments and will be made public in accordance with the provisions of the Committee of Ministers Resolution CM/Res(2019)49.

The Advisory Committee also adopted a statement on the Covid-19 pandemic and national minorities.