What is… the European Year of Languages 2001?
In 2001 the “European Year of Languages” will be celebrated throughout Europe. The aims are to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote plurilingualism. In January 1999 the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe declared the year 2001 “European Year of Languages”. This decision was taken following the Council of Europe’s Second Summit in 1997, which stressed the importance of promoting European citizenship and protecting Europe’s linguistic and cultural heritage. On 13 October 1999 the European Commission adopted the proposal for a Decision declaring the European Year of Languages 2001. The European Parliament and the Council of Ministers (of the European Union) adopted the final Decision on 17 July 2000 (Official Journal L232 – Decision 1934/2000/EC). The Council of Europe and the European Union have now joined forces for the implementation of the EYL. The Council of Europe’s aims for the European Year of Languages 2001 are: • to increase awareness of Europe’s linguistic he
