AGSM Spokesman Hartmut Leipner in Interview: Minority Rights Must Be Implemented in Practice
09.11.2026
Dr Hartmut Leipner, Spokesman of the AGSM and Vice-President of FUEN, spoke to the Macedonian newspaper “Ilinden” about the challenges of protecting national minorities, the work of the AGSM and cooperation with the Macedonian minority in Albania. The interview was published on 4 November 2026.
The discussion focused on the implementation of existing minority rights, the preservation of minority languages and the political participation of national minorities. Leipner emphasised that European instruments such as the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages are important achievements. However, their consistent implementation remains a challenge in many places. “Rights that exist only formally do not protect anyone,” he stated.
Regarding the AGSM, Leipner highlighted the importance of exchange and solidarity among Slavic minorities across Europe. Founded in 1996, the working group now brings together 32 member organisations from eleven countries, making it the largest working group within FUEN.
Another focus of the interview was cooperation with the Macedonian Association “Ilinden”-Tirana, which has been a member of FUEN and the AGSM for eleven years. Leipner recalled the 29th AGSM Seminar, held in Albania for the first time in June 2026. The event had provided new momentum for cooperation. Future priorities include joint projects in mother-tongue education, youth engagement, the preservation of cultural heritage and political participation.
Leipner also stressed the importance of greater involvement of national minorities in political decision-making processes. FUEN and the AGSM would continue to work towards ensuring that minorities can preserve their identities and effectively exercise their rights.
