A rough orientation through a delicate relationship: The European Union`s endeavours for (its) Minorities

The relationship between EC law and minority protection is ambiguous. EU law remains, at least prima facie, and in contrast to international law, silent on this topic. This is interesting as there exists a (supposed) tension between the restricting character of some minority protecting measures and the liberalising effect of the fundamental freedoms of the EC treaty. The topic seems even more remarkable given the background of the upcoming Eastern enlargement.

This contribution therefore examines, whether EU law contains commitments regarding (its) minorities, which could point at the possible establishment of a common principle of law in the area of minority protection (a latter would diminish the mentioned tension).