The B-Shapes project led by South Denmark University publishes its second Policy Brief, The Role of Minority Media in Shaping Narratives on Borders and Europe, by Alice Engl, Johanna Mitterhofer, Marcus Nicolson, Martin Guillermo Ramírez, Martin Klatt, Oriana Miraka, Caitriona Mullan and Sara Svensson.
(this news has been updated by the end of the project, February 2026)
Borders Shaping Perceptions of European Societies (B-SHAPES) is a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action project that analyses how borders remain a key factor in our understanding of societies. Eight European universities, one research institute, a national museum, a foundation, a political association, a consultancy, and an art collective have come together for three years to exchange points of view, do research, organise focus groups, border walks, plenty of workshops and other events, as well as presentations in congresses and symposia, various sets of publications, and plenty of information about minorities, euroescepticism and landscape in border areas. Many feelings, opportunities, fears, hopes, and threats have been shared by local stakeholders, project holders, local and regional authorities, chambers of commerce, universities, enterprises and their associations, and civil society.
This policy brief examines how minority media cover border-related issues in four European borderlands populated by autochthonous national minorities. In these borderlands, cross-border interactions are a significant aspect of daily life for many residents, especially those belonging to a national minority (Czechia-Poland, Denmark-Germany, Italy-Austria, Hungary-Slovakia).
We focus on two re-bordering events: the migration crisis of 2015-16 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. By analysing over 1,700 minority media newspaper articles, we show how media narratives frame perceptions of borders and the European Union in these minority communities. Our study reveals a gap between local concerns and the broader European context, with limited inclusion of diverse voices in minority media. This highlights the complex nature of border narratives in minority regions and their impact on European integration.
The findings call for more inclusive and diverse media representation and better integration of local and European perspectives to support European integration and address the unique challenges minority communities face in border areas. Local concerns often dominate media reporting, but linking these with broader European narratives is crucial.
Through policies that support improved diversity in media representation, a stronger role for the EU in border and cross-border policies, and the promotion of European heritage and values, we can build a more resilient, inclusive, and democratic European society that respects and supports its minority communities in border regions.
Read here the full policy brief #2
Visit our projects section to read other policy briefs, more B-Shapes publications (as long as the project is coming to its end), and other relevant aspects. You can also visit the B-Shapes website.
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