25.09.2008 No extra funds for languages

Last July, a European report was published warning that the competitive position of European businesses is deteriorating due to the improving language skills of the competition. This report complements an earlier study by the High Level Group on Multilingualism (HLG), in which the HLG urged EU-citizens to learn a second language.

However, according to the EU Commissioner for Multilingualism, Leonard Orban, this does not imply that more funds will become available to stimulate language education. The Lifelong Learning programme will be evaluated in 2012. Until that time, additional financial stimuli need not be expected. Furthermore, linguistic policy remains a national matter, with decisions being taken by the individual Member States themselves.

Meanwhile, the European variety of languages will remain, although the influence of English will continue to grow. One percent of the EU budget every year will remain to be spent on translation services in years to come. To view the entire article, please click here.