A delegation of the Council of Europe Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities visited Porto, Figueira da Foz, Torres Vedras, Moura and Lisbon from 28 to 31 May 2019 to evaluate progress made in the monitoring of the protection of national minorities in Portugal.

The Advisory Committee had meetings with local authorities, representatives of the government as well as civil society and national minorities to discuss the implementation of the Framework Convention with relevant stakeholders.

The delegation was composed of Ms Olga Butkevych, Advisory Committee member elected in respect of Ukraine, Ms Marie B. Hagsgård, Advisory Committee member elected in respect of Sweden, Mr Sławomir Łodziński, Advisory Committee member elected in respect of Poland, Mr Marco Leidekker, Head of Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and Mr Michael Guet, Administrator in the Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Following this visit, the Advisory Committee will draw up its fourth opinion on the implementation of the Framework Convention in Portugal containing specific findings and recommendations for follow-up. The fourth opinion is expected to be adopted in June 2019.