Promoting Multilingualism: a Shared Commitment
(2008 02 27 15:16)
The conference under the chairmanship of European Commission and Slovenian Presidency took place in Brussels on 15 February 2008. During the conference the EU Ministers undertook to develop a new strategy for multilingualism, with special emphasis on lifelong language learning for all, including those with fewer opportunities. In their discussion, the Ministers particularly underlined the language learning and education offered to indigenous ethnic communities, the preservation of cultural identity being important not only for ethnic communities but also for immigrants.
Dr Zver, the Slovenian Minister of Education and Sport and current President of the Education, Youth and Culture Council, stressed the fact that language learning continues to be a priority task, particularly for small countries. He added that the outcome of the conference would be included in the conclusions on multilingualism to be adopted by the EU Ministers at the meeting of the Education, Youth and Culture Council in May, giving added value to multilingualism in the European Union.
More information avaolable on the Slovenian Presidency website.