Answer given by Mr Navracsics on behalf of the Commission

8.1.2015

The Commission recognises the importance that minority languages represent in Europe's cultural and linguistic heritage. The Commission aims in particular to enable every European citizen to communicate in two foreign languages from an early age, and supports and complements national educational policies aimed at reaching this objective. Minority and regional languages are part of this approach.

The Commission cooperates with the Council of Europe and regularly refers to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as the legal instrument specifically devoted to the protection and promotion of regional or minority languages.

Language learning and linguistic diversity is one of six over-arching objectives of Erasmus+, the funding programme for education, training, youth and sport. Language learning is mainstreamed through the whole programme; there are opportunities to apply for funding for strategic partnerships in the field of regional and minority languages. Other funding opportunities are available in the Creative Europe programme, in Horizon 2020 for research or in the Europe for Citizens programme. A comprehensive overview of funding opportunities in the field of languages has been published on the Commission’s website.[1]

• [1] http://ec.europa.eu/languages/opportunities/index_en.htm