FUEN Strengthens Ties with Basque Organisations

Ahead of the 8th Forum of European Minority Regions, held on 26–27 November 2024 in Donostia/San Sebastián, Basque Country, FUEN Vice Presidents Bahne Bahnsen and Gösta Toft met with several Basque organisations and political representatives. The goal of these meetings was to strengthen cooperation and build closer connections between FUEN and its partners in the Basque Country. 

The meetings took place over several days in Bilbao and Donostia, and included discussions with Basque stakeholders from education, culture, and politics. Among them were representatives of Basque schools, NGOs, and language and cultural organisations. The conversations focused on common goals, such as protecting and promoting minority languages and cultural identities. The discussions also explored how the Basque organisations and FUEN could work more closely together in the future.  

FUEN Vice President Bahne Bahnsen emphasised the strong alignment between FUEN’s goals and the Basque Country’s efforts to preserve its language and culture. “The Basque Country’s focus on its language and culture is very inspiring. It reflects FUEN’s central mission, and there are clear opportunities for cooperation, especially in education and with Basque-speaking municipalities”, Bahnsen said.  

During the meetings, representatives from several Basque organisations described their activities, which closely correspond with those of FUEN. “The conversations were very positive. I am optimistic that we will soon welcome new members from the Basque Country”, Vice President Toft remarked.  

 The 8th Forum of European Minority Regions, which focused on the opportunities and challenges of minority languages in the digital age, provided the ideal setting for FUEN’s meetings with the Basque organisations. The conference, hosted by FUEN in partnership with LANGUNE, the Basque Association of Language Industries, brought together experts, policymakers, and representatives from minority regions across Europe to discuss the links between minority languages, technology, and economic development. FUEN and its Basque partners are ready to build on the productive discussions and explore new opportunities for collaboration. 

“With such a strong focus on language and culture, the Basque Country is a great example of what FUEN works to achieve across Europe”, Gösta Toft said. “We left with valuable insights, new connections, and exciting possibilities for the future.”