ECMI was created in 1996 by the governments of Denmark, Germany and Schleswig-Holstein. The Centre conducts practice-oriented research, and provides information, documentation and advice regarding minority-majority relations in Europe. It services governmental and inter-governmental organizations as well as the media, universities and minority groups. Monitoring, analyzing and presenting solutions to ethnic tensions and potential conflicts in Europe lie at the core of ECMI activity. It focuses on three issues: 1. evaluation and development of universal, regional, bilateral and national standards that may assist in consolidating democracy on the basis of ethnic diversity and human rights (including a comparison of EU member countries and applicant states); 2. implementation procedures and mechanisms for such standards; 3. constructive conflict-management, including aid to international efforts in regions of tension, through engagement of local protagonists.