WRITTEN QUESTION E-0730/98

by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission

(18 March 1998)

Subject: Indigenous languages spoken in the overseas territories of the European Union, with particular reference to French Guiana

Following the Euromosaic study carried out under the supervision of DG XXII, can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. Hitherto, in its Euromosaic report on minority and regional languages within the EU, the Commission has devoted little or no attention to the languages spoken in the overseas territories of the EU, even though there are facilities within the Euromosaic programme for looking into such languages. Does the Commission intend in future to devote more attention under Euromosaic to the minority languages in the overseas territories?

If so, can the Commission say what initiatives it has taken or intends to take?

If not, why not?

2. What specific initiatives has the Commission taken, or will it take, to support and recognise the indigenous languages in the overseas territories of the EU (in particular in the context of the cultural identity of indigenous peoples which is adversely affected if the indigenous language, one of the main elements in the cultural identity of a people, is marginalized)?

3. Is the Commission aware of the disadvantaged position of the indigenous peoples in French Guiana caused by the fact that the French constitution recognizes only the French language? Has the Commission taken any initiatives to reverse this infringement of the rights and the cultural identity of the indigenous peoples of French Guiana?

If so, what initiatives?

If not, why not?

Answer given by Ms Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 1998)

1. The Euromosaic study was initiated by the Commission to determine the position of minority or regional languages in the Community. As the time and resources allotted to the study were limited, it was decided to look only at minority languages in the Member States within continental Europe. A number of interesting regional and minority languages therefore had to be excluded from the initial study. This does not mean that the Commission is not thinking of extending the Euromosaic study to determine the current position of the regional or minority languages that are at present excluded.

2. As for the possibility that the Commission may take initiatives to support indigenous languages in French Guiana, it should be noted that French Guiana, as a French overseas territory, forms part of the Community and therefore takes part in the various Commission programmes. In the field of regional or minority languages, the Commission is implementing the programme "Promotion and safeguard of regional and minority languages and cultures", funded under budget heading B-1006. Projects relating to the indigenous languages of French Guiana are therefore eligible for this programme provided they meet the objectives and requirements set out in the calls for proposals.

3. As to whether the Commission is aware of the discrimination against the indigenous peoples in French Guiana caused by the fact that the French constitution recognizes only the French language, and whether the Commission has taken any action to remedy this situation, it has to be pointed out that the matters covered by these questions lie outside the Commission's competence.