Citizenship and minority rights in the Baltic States: a comparative assessment of legal frameworks and EU standards

Abstract

This thesis explores the historical change in the policy of citizenship and rights of national minorities of the Baltic countries, as well as the impact of the principles of the European Union and the Council of Europe on this region. In order to achieve the objectives of the analysis, the legal systems and administrative practices of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are investigated. The examination of landmark cases indicates progress in the legislation and practices of the studied region, in turn, the need to review the European Union's approach to non-discrimination in the consideration of cases related to national minorities and their rights is being monitored.