The progress of European history has linked many national minorities to state borders. Not only did the territorial changes of the last two centuries alter the sovereignty of the European states, but also served to shape the identities and allegiances of the people living within the border regions. Many minority groups in the border regions of Europe continue to identify with the majority groups in bordering states. Most in recent years, many kin-states have also strengthened the ties with their kin-minority groups across borders. Although such ties remain a source of conflict in some parts of Europe, they are increasingly valued for their role in preserving European cultural diversity, improving the living conditions of minority groups in border regions, and stimulating inter-state relations and cross-border cooperation. In the context of the current discussions over the future of the European Union, national minorities in border regions represent a resource for deepening European integration.  

Aim
The ECMI Summer School aims to set out the conceptual and normative approaches for the study of national minorities in border regions and to explore their different applications in relation to current arrangements across Europe. By the end of the summer school, the students will be able to critically evaluate the institutional successes and failures regarding the accommodation of minority groups along the border regions of the European states. Upon completion of the Summer School, the participants will receive certificates of participation.

Speakers
Researchers from ECMI will be joined by distinguished international scholars, local politicians and representatives of minority groups from the Danish-German border region. Drawing on the effective collaboration between Germany and Denmark in the fields of minority accommodation and cross-border cooperation, as well as ECMI’s research and policy consulting expertise, its engagement in conflict resolution, competence development and institution building in Kosovo and Georgia, and the empirical and normative expertise of the speakers, the Summer School promises a comprehensive examination of Europe’s national minorities in border regions. The list and profiles of our lecturers are available online under Courses of 2011 and 2012.

Participants
The European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) invites applications for the Summer School from junior scholars and practitioners from all over the world. NMBR Summer School 2012 hosted 20 participants from 14 different countries. The NMBR Summer School will require a minimum number of applications in order to proceed, and may not be held if this minimum number is not met.

Fees
The fee of the summer school is 400€. The participants are also expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. We will gladly assist you in finding accommodation if requested. Further information here.

Scholarships
We offer a reduced fee (200€) for the students of our partner Universities: the University of Flensburg and the University of Southern Denmark. ECMI is currently working on getting financial aid to support all participants fully or partially. Scholarship will reduce the program fee. International travel expenses and other related costs (visa & insurance) will not be included in the scholarship. At the same time, if possible, we recommend you apply for financial opportunities from your government, scholarship programs and sending institutions. Please indicate in your application whether you are willing to apply for the scholarship.

APPLICATION DEADLINE : 06 May 2013

Application deadline is over. For any questions or inquiries you might have, please contact us at summerschool2013@ecmi.de