A Europe of Regions? EU attitudes in kin-minority regions: the example of South Tyrol and the Danish minority in Schleswig-Holstein

Abstract

This thesis researches the relationship between the European Union (EU) and kin-minority regions, by comparing South Tyrol and the Danish minority in Schleswig, Germany. Earlier research shows signs that a more positive EU attitude exists in kin-minority regions, but this has not been researched in depth. This study sets out to answer this question by analysing party programmes and other content in both regions. In the end, both regions are compared to see if commonalities occur. The findings reveal that in South Tyrol, the EU is seen as both a symbolic and practical link to Tyrol in Austria, by making use of European institutions to create a Euroregion and work together across borders. Even in the programmes of far-right parties that want to secede from Italy, pro-EU themes can be read. In Schleswig, the EU is seen more as a guarantor of minority rights and as a practical facilitator for crossborder cooperation. In both cases, the EU was linked to the region's autonomy and political parties desired a more federalised EU or “Europe of regions”. This shows the EU’s influence on regional and minority politics that transcends countries.