92003E0604

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0604/03

by Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop (PSE) to the Council

(3 March 2003)

Subject: Establishment of an agency for the promotion of linguistic diversity

At the beginning of February 2003 the European Bureau for Lesser-Used Languages (EBLUL) held a special meeting in Charleroi at which it adopted a resolution calling in particular on the European Union to set up an agency responsible for promoting linguistic diversity and language learning (a model for which could be the Vienna-based European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia).

In view of the particular wealth and variety of languages in the European Union and the fact that, in a little over a year, 10 new countries will join the EU, and given that over 40 million people in the EU currently speak a minority language on a daily basis (whereas for want of a legal basis, amongst other things there is no real policy for protecting and promoting minority languages in the EU), what does the Council think of the proposal adopted by the EBLUL? Does it not consider the establishment of such an agency in the EU to be essential as a means of implementing a proper policy designed to promote linguistic diversity and language learning in an enlarged EU? Would it be willing to consider such a proposal with an eye to the future?

Reply

(21 July 2003)

Since the Council has not received any proposal concerning the establishment of an agency of the kind advocated by European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages, it is not in a position to make any comments.

The Council would however stress that it has frequently acknowledged the importance of linguistic diversity within the European Union, as last reaffirmed by its resolution of 14 February 2002(1) on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001. Improving foreign language learning is also included among the objectives of the Detailed work programme on the follow-up of the objectives of education and training systems in Europe(2) adopted within the context of the Lisbon strategy.

The Commission's forthcoming communication concerning an action plan on linguistic diversity and language learning will be examined with interest by the Council.

(1) OJ C 50, 23.2.2002.

(2) OJ C 142, 14.6.2002 (Objective 3.3).