Bernd Fabritius returns as Federal Government Commissioner for Matters Related to National Minorities

Bernd Fabritius: National minorities are a vital part of any society. They stand for cultural diversity and enrich the social fabric in countless ways. At the same time, they face significant challenges in maintaining that very diversity. I know this first-hand, having lived for many years as a member of the Transylvanian Saxon minority in Romania. That experience has shaped my deep commitment to the topic, and I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to support it.

Absolutely. I paid close attention to whether the achievements from my previous term were continued or whether new approaches were taken. These observations have added to the wealth of experience I now bring back into the role.

Most of the changes have occurred outside the area of national minorities, so I don't think it would be helpful to go into detail here. That said, I do plan to visit North Schleswig soon to discuss specific concerns on the ground.

Across Europe, I see a worrying rise in nationalist tendencies. This development poses a real threat to the well-being of national minorities. Nationalism often goes hand in hand with pressure to assimilate, which undermines a minority’s ability to preserve its cultural identity. That said, I am optimistic that the German minority in North Schleswig is not currently experiencing such pressures – and I will do everything I can to help ensure it stays that way.

Yes, I’ve already had an initial discussion with Hinrich Jürgensen and Uwe Jessen – the Chair and Secretary General of the Bund Deutscher Nordschleswiger – in Berlin, just days before my official appointment. We agreed to continue the conversation as soon as possible in North Schleswig.

Absolutely. I learned not only a new word – hygge – but also what a truly heart-warming way of life it represents.

I don’t want to define goals unilaterally. I believe in setting them together, in dialogue with the people I represent and support.

Connecting the work of the Federal Commissioner to parliamentary processes is essential. From 2013 onwards, I served in the German Bundestag and took part in various committees. I also represented Germany in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where I focused strongly on minority rights. Through this work, I built a broad network of understanding and support for the cause. Advisory committees – especially those concerned with national minorities – are also crucial in ensuring that parliamentary bodies remain focused on our shared concerns.

We are facing challenging times across Europe, and this often results in tight budgets and tough priorities. Nevertheless, I intend to ensure that the concerns of national minorities are heard and treated with the importance they deserve.

Yes. The position originally focused on issues affecting German expellees, resettlers and late repatriates. Over time, it was expanded to include national minorities in Germany and German minorities in neighbouring Central and Eastern European countries, as well as in Denmark. I believe these areas of responsibility complement each other very well and can generate valuable synergies.

A considerable amount – or to put it another way: exactly as much as is needed to do the job properly. I am fully committed to each area of responsibility and intend to approach them all with equal conviction and dedication.