European Year of Languages 2001

PURPOSE : to establish a European Year of Languages 2001. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision 1934/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Year of Languages 2001. CONTENT : the year 2001 has been designated as the 'European Year of Languages'. During this year, information and promotional measures will be undertaken on the theme of languages, with the aim of encouraging language learning by all persons residing in the Member States. These measures will cover the official languages of the Community, together with Irish, Letzeburgesch, and other languages in line with those identified by the Member States for the purposes of implementing this Decision. The objectives of the European Year of Languages shall be: 1) to raise awareness of the richness of linguistic and cultural diversity within the European Union, taking into account that all languages have equal value; 2) to encourage multilingualism; 3) to bring to the notice of the widest possible public the advantages of conjecture in several languages, as a key element in personal and professional development; 4) to encourage the lifelong learning of languages, starting at preschool and primary school age, by all persons residing in the Member States, whatever their age, background or social situation; 5) to collect and disseminate information about the teaching and learning of languages, and about skills, methods and tools, including those developed within other Community measures and initiatives and that those are developed in the framework of other Community measures and initiatives and/or facilitate communication between users of different languages. Furthermore, the measures designed to meet the objectives set out above include, in particular: - the use of a common logo and of slogans together with the Council of Europe; - a Community-wide information campaign; - the organisation of meetings, competitions, prizes and other activities. It should be noted that part of the measures will enjoy 100% Community support and the rest will be 50% co-financed by the Community. In addition, each Member State shall designate one or more appropriate bodies to be responsible for participation in the European Year of Languages, the coordination and implementation at national level of the measures provided for in this Decision. The Commission shall be assisted by this Committee made up from the Member States representatives. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that there is consistency between the measures provided for in this Decisions and other Community measures and initiatives, in particular those in the field of education and training and culture. As regards the budget, it has been set at EUR 8 million. With regard to international cooperation, the Commission may cooperate with relevant international organisations. In particular, there shall be close cooperation and coordination as well as joint initiatives with the Council of Europe, inorder to strengthen links between the peoples of Europe. Lastly, the Commission shall submit, by 31.12.2002 at the latest, a detailed report containing objective information to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the implementation, results and overall assessment of all the measures provided for in ths Decision. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 14.09.2000.�