Eighteen months after the launch of the project “Fostering Societal Cohesion by Reinforcing Minority Rights and Minority Languages”, its Steering Committee convened for the second time on 24 February. Bringing together representatives of public institutions, civil society and the international community, the meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of results achieved and to outline the next steps for 2026.
The project has delivered two key instruments designed to strengthen implementation of the Framework Convention on National Minorities standards at national level. The Action Plan for the Implementation of FCNM Recommendations and the first Monitoring and Reporting Tool aligned with the Advisory Committee’s Fifth Opinion were both developed and validated. Together, they establish a structured, indicator-based framework to support systematic data collection, monitor progress, identify gaps and facilitate preparation of the state report.
Concrete steps have also been taken to address challenges in applying the Law on the Use of Languages. In cooperation with central institutions, regional consultations were organised with representatives from 33 municipalities. These discussions resulted in an analytical report containing practical recommendations, laying the groundwork for targeted follow-up measures and enhanced institutional support.
Support to minority communities has extended beyond policy development. Three minority media outlets and civil society organisations received grants aimed at promoting more professional, ethical and inclusive reporting on minority issues. Public outreach efforts were further reinforced through support to Human Rights Week 2025, implemented in a multilingual and inclusive format. The initiative promoted anti-discrimination, equal treatment and civic participation, with particular attention to non-majority communities and gender equality.
The project has also a strong regional dimension. Peer exchange and cooperation were facilitated among law enforcement agencies, equality bodies and civil society organisations from the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership regions, fostering dialogue and sharing of good practices across borders.
Addressing the Committee, Mary Ann Hennessey, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Pristina, underscored the project’s overarching purpose: “The project is guided by a clear and fundamental objective: to strengthen social cohesion and ensure that minority communities are able to fully enjoy their rights in practice, not only in principle. This means supporting institutions, empowering communities, and aligning policies with the highest European standards.”
Nenad Rašić, Minister for Communities and Returns, and Habit Hajredini, Director of the Office for Good Governance, Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discrimination at the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed appreciation for the close cooperation established under the project and reaffirmed their commitment to its continued implementation.
Overall, the Steering Committee concluded that the project has produced coherent and mutually reinforcing results across policy development, institutional capacity-building, practical implementation, public awareness and regional cooperation. It has strengthened national ownership of the Framework Convention on National Minorities implementation process, enhanced alignment with Council of Europe standards and contributed to a more inclusive, rights-based framework for the protection of national minorities.
Looking ahead, members agreed that for 2026 the project will prioritise the accreditation and integration of educational modules and materials related to the Framework Convention, organise regional roundtables to promote interethnic dialogue, and deepen cooperation with the police, equality bodies and civil society to combat racial discrimination and advance social cohesion.
