WRITTEN QUESTION E-0620/01

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(1 March 2001)

Subject: Respect for regional and minority languages

In reply to a previous question (E-3702/00)(1) on the diversity of languages in the European Union, Commissioner Reding said that respect for linguistic and cultural diversity was one of the main principles of the Union.

The Commissioner also announced that she would inquire into ways of protecting and promoting regional and minority languages via a special action programme.

1. When exactly will this inquiry be completed, and when can an action programme be launched?

2. Is the Commission prepared to spell out the Copenhagen criteria's rather vague description of respect for minorities so that minority languages can be respected and protected?

3. What regulatory action can the Commission take against Member States if the languages legislation in force in such countries is used only as an additional accession guarantee and if there is absolutely no intention of affording additional guarantees for the minority in question?

(1) OJ C 174 E, 19.6.2001, p. 119.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2001)

1. The European Year of Languages will give rise to many events and debates throughout 2001 on matters relating to European linguistic diversity, particularly regional and minority languages. The Commission plans to draw lessons from all these initiatives and discussions, and to arrive at conclusions as early as next year.

2. The criteria for Membership laid down at the Copenhagen European Council in 1993 include the respect for and protection of minorities. In assessing progress made by the candidate countries with regard to this criterion, the Commission devotes particular attention to the respect for, and the implementation of, the various principles laid down in the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, including those related to the use of minority languages.

3. As of 1997, the Commission has regularly assessed progress made by the candidate countries in meeting the Copenhagen criteria, first in its 1997 Opinions, and subsequently in its Regular Reports adopted in the autumn of 1998, 1999 and 2000 respectively.

In order to help the candidate countries remedy the specific weaknesses and shortcomings identified in the Regular Reports, the Community has established an Accession Partnership for each of the candidate countries. These Accession Partnerships put forward short and medium-term priorities for each country to fulfil the accession criteria. They also indicate the financial assistance available from the Community in support of these priorities and the conditions attached to that assistance. They are updated on a regular basis.

The regular assessment of progress made by the candidate countries in meeting the requirements set by the Copenhagen political criteria, supported by the Accession Partnerships, has led to positive developments in all candidate countries, also as regards respect for minority rights and the protection of minorities, including the use of minority languages. The Commission continues its work in this direction.