Support for reading books in the EU
28.3.2018
Question for written answer E-001862-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Salvatore Domenico Pogliese (PPE)
Statistics show a steady decline in the number of people in the EU reading books. For example, in Italy, according to 2017 ISTAT data, over the course of the six preceding years, the number of people reading had fallen by 3.3 million.
This decrease is concerning, particularly regarding the new generations and the 11 to 14 year old age group. In addition, many experts point to the need to foster so-called ‘long reading’, that is reading books, over so-called ‘short reading’, that is reading the news and social media content.
Increasingly, there are signs that young people are having growing difficulties in analysing and understanding written texts. Such difficulties seem to be exacerbated by not reading enough books.
In light of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.What initiatives can be undertaken to increase the numbers reading books in Member States;
- 2.If it intends to propose initiatives to promote reading books among young people?