Europeanization, the protection of minorities and the long-term failure of Roma integration efforts in the EU

Bc. Tomáš ŠČUKA

Master's thesis

Europeanization, the protection of minorities and the long-term failure of Roma integration efforts in the EU

Abstract:

The thesis deals with the analysis of minority protection in the framework of Europeanisation. This study focuses on the development of minority protection in the European Union. It examines the impact of European integration on the situation of the Roma in the EU. The Roma are one of the largest and most vulnerable minorities in the European community. Using the case of the Czech Republic and specific examples of discrimination, it analyses the situation of the Roma in this member state. The theoretical part deals with the framework of European integration. In particular, the development of European policies to ensure the protection of national minorities. This part also looks at issues of pre-accession negotiations between states. It describes the barriers, but also the commitments in relation to minority rights to which states had to commit themselves. It also highlights the different approaches of states to common minority policies. The practical part analyses European legislation on the protection of national minorities. It also analyses the European strategic framework for improving the situation of the Roma. A more specific analysis is then focused on the situation of the Roma in the Czech Republic. Based on research, surveys and regular reports by European institutions and other NGOs, it examines the impact of European integration on discrimination against Roma and segregation of Roma children in education.

Abstract:

The thesis deals with the analysis of minority protection in the framework of Europeanisation. This study focuses on the development of minority protection in the European Union. It examines the impact of European integration on the situation of the Roma in the EU. The Roma are one of the largest and most vulnerable minorities in the European community. Using the case of the Czech Republic and specific examples of discrimination, it analyses the situation of the Roma in this member state. The theoretical part deals with the framework of European integration. In particular, the development of European policies to ensure the protection of national minorities. This part also looks at issues of pre-accession negotiations between states. It describes the barriers, but also the commitments in relation to minority rights to which states had to commit themselves. It also highlights the different approaches of states to common minority policies. The practical part analyses European legislation on the protection of national minorities. It also analyses the European strategic framework for improving the situation of the Roma. A more specific analysis is then focused on the situation of the Roma in the Czech Republic. Based on research, surveys and regular reports by European institutions and other NGOs, it examines the impact of European integration on discrimination against Roma and segregation of Roma children in education.

Keywords

Europeanisation, European Union, discrimination, minority protection, vulnerable groups, segregation of Roma children in education, anti-Roma sentiment

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 8. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Lucie Tungul, Ph.D., M.A.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Law

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Studies Focusing on European Law