The “states-general” of multilingualism “Multilingualism: a Resource for Europe and a Joint Commitment”. This is the title of the latest document adopted by the Commission on September 18, which addresses the question of the plurality of idioms in the “broader framework of social cohesion and prosperity”. “The harmonious coexistence of numerous languages in Europe represents – according to Commissioner Leonard Orban – a strong sign of the Community’s aspiration to unity in diversity. With this communication we encourage Member States, local authorities and social parties to join their forces and act”. After the latest enlargement, the Union counts 23 official languages and over 60 languages spoken in specific regions or by local communities. “Globalization and migration flows have expanded the range of languages spoken daily by Europeans”. Multilingualism can thus become an opportunity, if it is put to worth. Otherwise it may become an obstacle to integration. The document addresses a number of issues: the role played by languages in multicultural society: the way in which languages improve employment opportunities or ensure a competitive bonus for enterprises; the measures to be adopted to encourage citizens to speak two languages in addition to their mother tongue. On September 26, the EU will promote “The States-General of Multilingualism” in the Sorbonne University, in order to “examine European States’ policies aimed at improving citizens’ language skills in the educational environment and at implementing lifelong learning in this area”. Forum on poverty and social exclusion According to EU estimates, 16% of the European populations “live beneath the threshold of poverty”. In the past days the Commission proposed that the 27 Member States increase budget expenditures in order to supply indigent families with basic food necessities, by allocating 500 million euro per year starting in 2009. In 2006 more than 13 million EU citizens were the recipients of the relief program undertaken by non-profit bodies in cooperation with local social services. To this regard, the seventh Forum on Poverty and Social Exclusion in Europe was called in Marseilles on October 15-16 by the French Presidency-in-Office to identify joint and individual State intervention in support of weak population brackets. The purpose of the Forum is “to bring together all the involved parties and develop concrete proposals” in this area. The French High Commissioner for Solidarity Martin Hirsch will chair the meetings on “active inclusion strategy aimed at involving those who are distant from the labor market”. The strategy is based on three complementary pillars: “ensuring minimum wage, enacting policies that will facilitate reintegration into the labor market and providing quality social services in the public domain”. Participants in Marseille’s event will equally draw up a draft program of the European Year for the Fight Against Poverty and Social exclusion 2010. The Forum’s final statement will be submitted to EU ministers in charge of social issues who will convene on October 16. EuroparlTV, the TV of the EU Assembly “Bringing the European Parliament close to citizens through a modern and creative medium”. This is the main objective of EuroparlTV, the television channel of the EU Assembly inaugurated last week by President Hans-Gert Poettering. EuroparlTV can be viewed by logging on www.europarltv.europa.eu. “Whoever has an Internet connection now has the possibility of viewing a series of constantly up-dated programs on the Parliament’s activities”. Poettering added: “As June 2009 elections draw close, EuroparlTV should be the ideal Internet tool for citizens, the youth in particular, who in this way can be informed about the activities and the decisions taken by the Euro-Chamber. “These decisions have a direct impact upon the daily lives of some 500 million citizens of the European Union”. The channel can be accessed by means of a broadband Internet link. Internauts can choose between Windows and Flash 9 players. Programs are available in 20 languages, some with an off-stage voice, others with subtitles. The new EU television – still undergoing final touch-up – includes four channels, each of which has a different target audience. “Your Parliament” is addressed “to those who have a special interest in Community policies”. “Your Voice” is designed for a larger audience and enables “to upload material created by the users”. “Young Europe” is directed to the youth, especially primary and secondary- school children. Lastly, “Live Parliament” provides constant coverage of Assembly events.
