Quick links to selected European
policy relating to language teaching and learning and intercultural
skills in all sectors.
For summaries and links to further
documentation, choose a policy article from the
chronological listing below:
2008
Council resolution on a European strategy on
Multilingualism
This communication sets out the European
Commission’s view of the actions needed 'to turn linguistic
diversity into an asset for solidarity and prosperity'.
A rewarding challenge: how the multiplicity of languages
could strengthen Europe
In 2007 the European Commission created a 'Group of Intellectuals
for Intercultural Dialogue'.
Recommendation CM/Rec(2008)7 of the Committee of
Ministers to member states on the Use of the Council of Europe’s
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the
promotion of
plurilingualism
This includes a comprehensive list of the key policy documents on
languages from the Council of Europe since 1998.
An
updated strategic framework for European cooperation in education
and training
The themes continue to be those of the Lisbon Strategy, lifelong
learning, upskilling through flexible and transparent education
provision etc.
Companies work better with languages – Report of the
Business Forum for Multilingualism
The main messages from
the Business Forum, established by the European Commission to
inform developing Multilingualism policy.
2007
Report on the implementation of the Action Plan
'Promoting language learning and linguistic diversity
2004-2006'
The report sets out: the main results from the action plan to date
at both European and national level.
High Level Group on Multilingualism, Final
report
In 2006 the European Commission created a 'High
Level Group on Multilingualism', comprising independent experts
including the then Chief Executive of CILT.
2005
A
new framework strategy for multilingualism
Complementing its Action Plan on Language Learning and Linguistic
Diversity this is the first statement by the European Union on
Multilingualism.
Working together for growth and jobs. A new start
for the Lisbon strategy, Communication to the Spring European
Council
After initially moderate results, the 2000 Lisbon
Strategy was simplified and relaunched.
2003
Promoting Language Learning and Linguistic
Diversity
The European Commission’s plan proposes 45
actions to be undertaken from 2004 to 2006 in three areas.
2002
Declaration of the European Ministers of vocational
education and training, and the European Commission
The Copenhagen Declaration set out areas for cooperation in
vocational education and training.
Conclusions of the European Council Meeting,
Barcelona
In what became known as the 'Barcelona
agreement' the Council called for further action' to improve the
mastery of basic skills.
2001
Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment
The CEFR: a key
policy document underpinning language teaching, learning,
assessment.
Education and training work programme 2010
The jointly agreed programme of strategic actions has four
priorities.
2000
Lisbon strategy for growth and
jobs
European Union (EU) leaders set out a new strategy to
modernise Europe. This became known as the Lisbon Strategy.
Standing conference of the European Ministers of
education
This conference saw the Resolution on the European Language
Portfolio.
1999
Declaration on higher education
The Bologna
Declaration marked the introduction of new enhanced level of
European cooperation in higher education.
1998
Committee of Ministers, Recommendation to Member
States no. R (98) 6 concerning Modern Languages
The
document sets the scene for development of languages policy in
member states of the European Union and further afield for the
foreseeable future.