Europe's Babel

by Nina Diezemann

Multilingualism is a special feature of the EU, but at the same time it presents an obstacle to understanding. Should Europe agree to use English as a lingua franca or must it promote each individual language? » more

Background | 16/04/2008

A variety of languages in Europe – opportunity or obstacle?

by Tabea Leibbrand

Since 1957, the number of official languages in the EU has risen from four to 23. An EU commissioner for multilingualism has been in place since January 2007. The variety of languages provides many opportunities, but also many obstacles. » more

Article | 11/08/2008

Mediators of the Spoken Word

by Julia Rosch

Waste of money or essential requirement for EU politics? The EU has the largest translation capability in the world. Around 1000 interpreters are employed on a daily basis in order to ensure communication between the EU representatives. » more

Interactive Map | 16/04/2008

Dialects and foreign languages

How many languages do pupils in the different EU member states learn? And what do Europeans think about regional dialects and minority languages? Two maps offer a view on Europe's multilinguism. » more

From the press | 16/04/2008

Linguistic diversity and a crazy translation policy

Is the amount of money the EU institutions spend on translation justified? What is the value of European linguistic diversity, how can it be preserved? » more

Links | 16/04/2008

Further information

Here you will find links to positions in the debate on multilingualism in the EU and on a standard lingua franca, information on the Brussels translation system and official websites. » more

PRESS REVIEW

Main focus of 28/08/2008

Old Europe

According to a recent study by the Statistical Office of the European Communities (Eurostat), Europe's population is growing too old. The study estimates that in 50 years' time a third of the EU's population will be over 65 years of age, and in some states the number of inhabitants could even go down. This will also have a negative impact on Europe's social systems. What are the ramifications of this prognosis for Europe?

» To the complete press review

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