Regional and minority languages in the European Union

Abstract

In the European Union between 40 and 50 million people speak one of its regional and minority languages, some of which are at great risk. International bodies such as UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the OSCE are implementing initiatives to combat the loss of minority languages and protect their linguistic rights. Not respecting the rights of regions or minorities constitutes racial discrimination and the infringement of human rights. Although language policy is an exclusive competence of the Member States, the EU can support action to promote and protect the languages of the regions and their minorities. However, the complex political and economic situation of the EU at present is not conducive to such efforts. Nevertheless, over the years the European Union has implemented initiatives related to education in all areas of language use. The European Parliament supports the promotion of regional and minority languages and advocates the protection of languages at risk. This article sets out to describe the sociolinguistic situation in the European Union and to share the tools and initiatives created to maintain this linguistic diversity. • Key words: European Union, minority languages, language policy, legal protection, region.