UNCOVERING EU-SAAMI RELATIONS An exploratory research on the relationship between the European Union and Saami political mobilisation.

Abstract

In recent years, relations between the European Union and the Saami, the indigenous people of Fenno-Scandinavia who are mobilising to claim their rights, particularly in terms of rights to land and resources, cultural preservation and political representation, have multiplied. Despite mounting evidence, little research has been done on this relationship, largely due to the lack of recognition of indigenous rights by the EU. Drawing on the theoretical foundations of social movement, Europeanization and contentious politics research, and using a triangulation research method combining document analysis and semi-structured interviews with experts and elites, this thesis aims to explore the nature of the relationship between the European Union and Saami political mobilisation.