The conference presented the historical background for diverse developments and status of minorities. It shed light on state policies regarding national minorities with a multilateral, multidisciplinary and comparative approach. The panels focused on national minorities in other countries, on the concepts, tools, players and effects of state policies, as well as international perceptions in Europe.

The conference provided an appropriate forum for representatives of European countries and international organizations, civil society actors, as well as representatives of science and minority organizations from Central and Eastern Europe, to deal with this complex topic in a differentiated manner, incorporating different perspectives.