In her thesis, the IDOS researcher analysed the relations between the Sámi and the EU as an example of Indigenous peoples’ participation in transnational policy-making.
from left to right: Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Wolfram Hilz, Jacqueline Götze, Julian Bergmann, Maximilian Mayer ©Ramona Hägele
From left to right / von links nach rechts: Irina Rafliana, Esther Gardei (Universität Bonn), Ramona Hägele, Dorothea Wehrmann, Jacqueline Götze ©Christopher Wingens
IDOS researcher Jacqueline Götze defended her doctoral thesis on „Sámi-EU relations“ at the University of Bonn on 9 July. Besides Prof. Wolfram Hilz (first supervisor) and Prof. Maximilian Mayer (both University of Bonn), two IDOS colleagues, Dr Julian Bergmann (second supervisor) and Prof. Anna-Katharina Hornidge, were members of the examination committee.
The main finding of the thesis is that Sámi-EU relations enable Sámi participation only to a limited extent given little formalised participation process. Due to the influence of EU policies on Sámi homeland (Sápmi) particularly against the backdrop of the green transition, these participation gaps also affect Sámi self-determination. Self-determination is understood as a human right and participation as a framework for realising this right.
Given the format of a disputation, Götze discussed two statements building on the thesis’ results as well as two statements going beyond the scope of research. The first two statements dealt with the difference between a stakeholder and rights-holder approach with view to Indigenous peoples’ participation as well as postcolonial perspectives on EU internal phenomena. The last two statements focused on Indigenous peoples in the EU and debates on a democratic deficit of the EU and Indigenous peoples and the right of membership in a political community.
