Protection of minority languages in Europe

16.5.2018

Question for written answer E-002634-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Isabella De Monte (S&D) , Alojz Peterle (PPE) , Nedzhmi Ali (ALDE) , Ernest Urtasun (Verts/ALE) , György Hölvényi (PPE) , Yana Toom (ALDE) , Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE) , Ivo Vajgl (ALDE) , Marek Plura (PPE) , Andrejs Mamikins (S&D) , Csaba Sógor (PPE) , Franz Obermayr (ENF)

The protection of numerous minority languages in Europe must remain among the priorities of the European Union. The EU has undertaken a constant commitment for the enhancement of minority languages, including support for the Minority SafePack Initiative, with the objective of committing itself to establishing Union-wide legal standards for the protection of ethnic-linguistic minorities.

Italy, for instance, has three officially recognised minorities, namely German, French and Slovene speakers.

The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is the legally binding instrument dedicated to the protection and promotion of historical, regional and minority languages in Europe. Along with the framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, designed to protect the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, the Charter constitutes Europe’s commitment to the protection of national minorities.

Regional and minority languages are part of the European cultural heritage, and their safeguarding represents a considerable contribution to building a Europe based on the principles of democracy and cultural diversity.

Language is a tool for expressing identity and culture, but linguistic diversity remains a challenging issue. The marginalisation of disadvantaged linguistic communities, for instance those speaking the Romani language, must be properly addressed.

Which additional measures does the Commission intend to adopt for the protection of linguistic minorities in Europe?