The European Union has reaffirmed its support for the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM), Ambassador Christophe Kamp, and warned against the instrumentalisation of minority rights to undermine state sovereignty. In a statement delivered at the OSCE Permanent Council on 4 June 2026 and published by the EEAS on 9 June 2026, the EU emphasised that the protection of minority rights is the responsibility of the state where the minority resides and must not be exploited for political gain or to justify violations of territorial integrity.
The statement, read at Permanent Council No. 1567, welcomed Kamp's comprehensive report and reiterated the EU's commitment to the HCNM's role as a key conflict prevention instrument. The EU stressed that respect for human rights, including those of persons belonging to national minorities, is crucial for regional peace and stability in the OSCE area. It called for effective implementation of OSCE commitments and non-discriminatory treatment of minorities across participating states.
The EU expressed appreciation for the HCNM's visits during the reporting period and his support for interethnic cooperation, inclusive dialogue, multilingual education, and strengthening institutional capacity and consultation mechanisms with minorities. It also valued regular communication with Ukrainian authorities and representatives of national minorities in Ukraine, particularly regarding challenges linked to Russia's war of aggression.
On Ukraine, the EU voiced deep concern over restrictions on education in minority languages and limitations on cultural and community life in territories temporarily and illegally occupied by Russia. It underscored that Russia's forced assimilation measures could seriously undermine prospects for a just and sustainable peace. The statement also referenced the Bolzano/Bozen Recommendations, emphasising that minority rights protection is the responsibility of the state where the minority resides, and that the presence of Russian or other minorities must not be instrumentalised.
The EU reiterated support for the HCNM's thematic work on contested histories, minority women and girls, and improving social cohesion. It encouraged all participating states to make use of the HCNM's recommendations and guidelines. The statement was also aligned with by Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, and Ukraine.
Stakeholder impact - EU and participating states: The statement reinforces the EU's commitment to the OSCE framework and minority rights, but imposes no new binding measures, relying on voluntary cooperation. - National minorities in Ukraine: The EU's strong condemnation of Russia's assimilation policies may offer diplomatic support, but no concrete enforcement mechanism is provided. - Russia: The statement indirectly criticises Russia's actions in occupied territories, but as a non-participating state in this alignment, it faces no direct consequences. - OSCE HCNM: The EU's explicit backing strengthens the HCNM's political mandate and visibility, though operational resources remain unchanged.
Expected follow-up The EU is expected to continue supporting the HCNM's work through diplomatic channels and to monitor the situation of minorities in Ukraine and other OSCE states. The next Max van der Stoel Award presentation will provide an opportunity to highlight minority rights achievements.
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