The Council of Europe has been active in the promotion of modern language learning and teaching since the signature of the European Cultural Convention in December 1954.

The Council of Europe summarises its languages policy as according 'special importance to fostering the linguistic and cultural diversity of its member States. Its activities in the field of languages aim to promote plurilingualism and pluriculturalism among citizens in order to combat intolerance and xenophobia by improving communication and mutual understanding between individuals.'

Its programmes are coordinated by two complementary bodies:

1. European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) (Graz, Austria)
2. The Language Policy Division (Strasbourg, France)

The Language Policy Division
Since 1954 the Language Policy Division of the Council of Europe has been responsible for a series of influential programmes which have helped to shape thinking about language teaching and learning, not only in Europe, but throughout the world.

Recent initiatives include:

• A Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• The European Language Portfolio
• The European Year of Languages in 2001, a collaboration with the European Union. The year introduced the European Day of Languages, an annual event for which CILT is the UK Relay.
• Policy development on plurilingual education. In particular, a major conference, Languages, Diversity, Citizenship: Policies for Plurilingualism in Europe (2002) and a publication, Guide for the development of language education policies in Europe: From linguistic diversity to plurilingual education.

For further information visit the Council of Europe website.