Deputy Minister Nezhdet Mustafa participated in a panel discussion on “The Current Situation of Ethnic Communities in the Western Balkans,” organized by the Center for Roma Community DROM, led by President Ahmet Jasharevski. The event brought together representatives from various institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, focusing on analyzing the current state of ethnic communities and ways to improve their situation in North Macedonia and the region.

In his address, the Deputy Minister emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the rights and improving the status of all ethnic communities in the country. He also highlighted that dialogue between state institutions, the civil sector, and international support from partners is a key factor in achieving greater inclusivity and equality.

A welcome speech was also delivered by MEP and President of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (FUEN), Loránt Vincze, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation in protecting minority rights and the need for continuous efforts to promote their integration and desegregation in society.

The event continued with an open discussion where participants highlighted the daily challenges faced in their home countries and shared proposals for improving the situation of ethnic communities in the country. The working meeting between the Deputy Minister and Mr. Vincze concluded with a special session focused on the challenges faced by smaller ethnic communities and how the international community, in collaboration with the Ministry, could respond positively and offer concrete solutions.