The role of minority media in shaping narratives on borders and Europe

This policy brief examines how minority media cover border-related issues in four European borderlands populated by autochthonous national minorities. In these borderlands, cross-border interactions are a significant aspect of daily life for many residents, especially for those belonging to a national minority (Czechia-Poland, Denmark-Germany, Italy-Austria, Hungary-Slovakia). We focus on two re-bordering events: the migration crisis of 2015/16 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. By analyzing over 1,700 minority media newspaper articles, we show how media narratives frame perceptions of borders and the European Union in these minority communities. Our study reveals a gap between local concerns and the broader European context, with limited inclusion of diverse voices in minority media. This highlights the complex nature of border narratives in minority regions and their impact on European integration. The findings call for more inclusive and diverse media representation and better integration of local and European perspectives to support European integration and address the unique challenges minority communities face in border areas. Local concerns often dominate media reporting, but linking these with broader European narratives is crucial. Through policies that support improved diversity in media representation, a stronger role for the EU in border and cross-border policies, and the promotion of European heritage and values, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic European society that respects and supports its minority communities in border regions.