On Wednesday, 10 October 2018, the conference “Self-determination: finding ways to advance within the EU framework” will be held at the European Parliament, in Brussels (ASP A5E1).  The event will be hosted by MEPs Ana Miranda, Josep-Maria Terricabras, Jordi Solé, Ramon Tremosa and Izaskun Bilbao.

The conference will consist in a comparative case analysis of the different scenarios where the right to self-determination has been recognized and where it has not been recognized.

To this end, the event will be divided in three panels:  1) Where the right to self-determination is not recognized: The case of Catalonia will be presented by Elisenda Paluzie, as President of the social organization National Catalan Assembly (ANC) and Elena Jiménez from “Òmnium Cultural”. The case of the Basque Country will be presented by Joseba Egibar (PNV) and Maddalen Iriarte (EH Bildu), speakers in the Basque Parliament. 

2) Where the right to self-determination is recognized: The case of Scotland will be presented by Robin McAlpine from Common Weal, a think tank and advocacy group, which campaigns for social and economic equality in Scotland. The case of Faroe Islands will be presented by Magni Arge of the Pro Independence Party and MP in the Danish Parliament. The case of New Caledonia will be presented by Mickael Forrest of the “Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste” (FLNKS). 

3) The right to self-determination in the framework of the EU: Carlos Villán Durán, former member of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva and Fernando Burgés Programme Manager at the Unrepresented Nations & Peoples Organization (UNPO) will analyse, from a legal point of view, the International Bill of Human Rights and the means for its application within the EU, paying special attention to the right to self-determination.