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European Centre for Modern Languages

Council of Europe Language policy

The Council of Europe accords special importance to fostering the linguistic and cultural diversity of its member States. Its activities in the field of languages aim to promote plurilingualism and pluriculturalism among citizens in order to combat intolerance and xenophobia by improving communication and mutual understanding between individuals.

Europe is, and will remain, multilingual. Accordingly, the Council of Europe, through its successive Modern Languages projects in Strasbourg, has developed a language policy over the years with the following objectives:

To protect and develop the linguistic heritage and cultural diversity of Europe as a source of mutual enrichment, thus helping Europeans to accept, understand and respect the outlook, feelings, values, beliefs and traditions of others.

In furtherance of these aims, the Council of Europe has drawn up a European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities also contributes to the promotion of this goal.

To facilitate personal mobility and the exchange of ideas by encouraging the development of communication skills in a variety of languages, thus enabling individuals to work together more effectively.

To develop a harmonious approach to language teaching based on common principles by pooling, through international co-operation, member States' experience and expertise in this area. The aim is to promote a coherent, learner-centred approach to language teaching, integrating aims, content, learning experiences and assessment. This is facilitated by instruments such as the Common European Framework of Reference and the European Language Portfolio.

To promote large-scale plurilingualism by assisting member States in:

  • encouraging all Europeans to achieve a degree of communicative ability in a number of languages and to continue their language learning on a lifelong basis;
  • diversifying the range of languages on offer and setting appropriate objectives for each language;
  • developing more flexible approaches, with a view to language diversification (such as modular courses, recognition of partial competences, and of language proficiency at various levels);
  • applying common European reference instruments to enhance the quality of language teaching and learning (coherence and transparency with regard to objectives, methods and results);
  • facilitating reflection on and analysis of language policy issues in an increasingly interactive Europe.

The development of plurilingualism is essential for increased and more effective intercultural understanding, international co-operation, mobility and employment opportunities.

Plurilingualism, Diversity, Citizenship

The current medium-term programme (2002-2004) entitled ‘Plurilingualism, Diversity, Citizenship’ includes activities related to:

  • standard setting and enhancing the quality of learning;
  • assisting member states in reviewing national language education policies, particularly with a view to promoting greater diversification in language learning;
  • languages of minorities;
  • European Day of Languages.

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