MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Italy's ratification of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages

19.6.2015

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Mara Bizzotto

B8-0653/2015

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Italy's ratification of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages

The European Parliament,

–       having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.     whereas the use of a regional language in private and public life is an inalienable right, an integral part of all international standards on human rights, as governed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted and opened for signature in New York on 19 December 1966;

B.     whereas on 21 June 2000, Italy signed the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, but has never ratified it;

C.     whereas the objectives and principles that signatory States must incorporate into their national legislative policies include: recognition of regional or minority languages as an expression of cultural wealth; facilitating and encouraging spoken and written use of these languages in both private and public life; providing resources for teaching and learning these languages, and promoting studies and research in universities and similar bodies;

D.     whereas transposition of the charter is one of the conditions required by EU institutions for EU membership for new countries,

1.      Calls on the Commission to urge Italy to ratify the charter.