National diversity in history: approaches to dealing with cultural diversity in the Habsburg monarchy and the EU

National diversity in history: approaches to dealing with cultural diversity in the Habsburg monarchy and the EU

The challenge of living together different nations repeatedly employs states with great cultural and linguistic diversity. The Habsburg monarchy and the European Union are also faced with this task. At a discussion event at the University of Vienna, the international research group "National Diversity in History" presented solutions for this problem. The findings were particularly interesting how the Habsburg monarchy dealt with this topic and how relevant approaches are still used in the EU today.

Professor Börries Kuzmany from the University of Vienna explained three basic approaches. The first approach is to grant individual rights for members of a group. The territorial approach, on the other hand, stipulates that certain groups are granted rights in a sub -area of ​​a state. A third approach that Kuzmany explained more precisely is the granting of a non-territorial autonomy that is defined as a group right. Certain groups receive autonomy rights, regardless of the place of residence of the individual.

Professor Jürgen Pirker from the University of Graz spoke about individual law access to minority protection. He emphasized that the protection of the cultural identity of minorities cannot be guaranteed solely by individual rights. There must also be group law elements in order to be effective.

In a panel discussion, the two experts deepened the treated topics. The event provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions of the coexistence of different nations.

Further information on this topic can be found in a detailed report on the Parliament website: www.parlament.gv.at .