Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages

NPLD are delighted by the news that the Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages will be continuing to give a voice to minority communities across Europe. The announcement of the renewal of this Intergroup provides a great opportunity to enable minority issues to continue to be represented at the EU level and enables this important avenue for dialogue on minority issues. NPLD worked very hard with MEPs and other organisations focused on minority issues to have the Intergroup continue into this parliamentary period and we are very thankful for everyone who were committed to ensure this Intergroup continues to provide a voice for minority issues.

Intergroups are unofficial groupings of MEPs who are interested in a particular topic that does not necessarily fall within the scope of the European Parliament’s normal work is of interest to wider society. Intergroups hold informal discussions to promote dialogue between MEPS and civil society and provide crucial opportunities for MEPs to gain insights from civil society actors. While Intergroups are not official Parliament bodies but they are recognised by Parliament and they are established between the chairs of the political groups at the start of each legislative term.

The Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages has been a long standing Intergroup in the European Parliament first being founded in 1983. It has always been an effective forum for discussions across the European Parliaments political groupings and civil to society in advocating for minority issues in Europe. During the 2019-2024 period this Intergroup was one of the most active holding 25 meetings with a range of actors that included the UN Special Rapporteur for Minority Rights. The NPLD have been very grateful for the Intergroup on Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages deepening the collaboration it has with the NPLD to help in the safeguarding of minority rights in Europe.