The European Union

Done by class 11G:

Ana Martins no. 4 António Pinto no. 10João Vieira no. 21Maria Alexandra Ferreira no. 27

The European UnionThe European Union has 27 member states and 23 official languages. Each member state, when it joins the Union, stipulates which language or languages it wants to have declared official languages of the EU.

The EU policy of official multilingualism as a deliberate tool of government is unique in the world. The EU sees the use of its citizens’ languages as one of the factors which make it more transparent, more legitimate and more efficient. The EU works actively to promote the wider knowledge and use of all its official languages throughout the Union.

Language learningLanguage is the most direct expression of our culture; it is what makes us human and what gives each of us a sense of identity. Action by the European Union and the Member States to uphold multilingualism therefore touches directly on all our lives.

The European Commission encourages new activities to raise awareness about language learning, motivate citizens to learn languages, improve citizens’ access to language learning opportunities and disseminate information about best practice in language teaching.

BenefitsThe ability to understand and communicate in more than one language – already a daily reality for the majority of people across the globe - is a desirable life-skill for all European citizens.

Learning and speaking other languages...• encourages us to become more open to others, their cultures and outlooks; • it improves cognitive skills and strengthens learners’ mother tongue skills; • it enables us to take advantage of the freedom to work or study in another Member State.

• A Council of Europe initiative

The highlight of the European Year of Languages 2001 was the European Day of Languages, which was celebrated for the first time on 26 September 2001 in all 45 states taking part in the campaign.

On the eve of the closing event of the Year, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to declare the European Day of Languages to be celebrated on 26th September each year.

European Day of Languages

• Why an annual "European Day of Languages"?

It was wished, as indicated a number of national EYL coordinators, that the dynamics of the European Year of Languages be continued, particularly the new networks and partnerships set up in more than 80% of the countries involved.

The annual celebration of the EDL would allow to build on the successful initiatives and launch fresh ones by broadening their audience or targeting specific groups and provide a favourable framework for continuing with the activities launched in 2001 to promote linguistic diversity and language learning.

• Aims of The European Day of Languages

The Day has a wide variety of aims following on from those of the European Year of Languages, in particular:

• Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;

• Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered;

• Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for the purposes of mobility or just for pleasure and exchanges.

• The European Day of Languages addresses all citizens

The general public: awareness-raising on the overall objectives of the Day, including the importance of lifelong language learning, starting at any age, in educational establishments, at work, etc.

Schools: highlighting and promoting the linguistic diversity which often exists in the classroom with a view to enrich everyone’s culture.

Policy-makers: specific measures or discussions on language policy issues, for instance.

The voluntary sector: specific actions by and/or for NGOs, associations, companies, etc.

The European Union (EU)The EU is a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. It is not a State intended to replace existing states, but it is more than just another international organisation. The EU is, in fact, unique. Its member states have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.

Europe is a continent with many different traditions and languages, but also with shared values. The EU defends these values. It fosters co-operation among the peoples of Europe, promoting unity while preserving diversity and ensuring that decisions are taken as close as possible to the citizens.In the increasingly interdependent world of the 21st century, it will be even more necessary for every European citizen to co-operate with people from other countries in a spirit of curiosity, tolerance and solidarity.