"We must protect and support the linguistic heritage of the European countries, but we must also understand each other, understand our neighbours and our partners within the EU": on 1st January Leonard Orban became commissioner for multilingualism, a sphere of the EU policy that had never had a specific portfolio so far. This is why Barroso’s Executive outlined, in the last few weeks, a "political agenda for multilingualism", illustrated in Brussels today. "Linguistic diversity is a daily reality within the European Union", explains the EU Commission, which highlights its importance "for the citizens’ education, lifelong learning, economic competitiveness, employment, justice and freedom". "So, the EU Commission is working at protecting and promoting this key feature. Orban’s job will all be focussed on defining the contribution of multilingualism" in several spheres: economic competitiveness, the creation of better jobs, lifelong learning and intercultural dialogue; the "promotion of a space for European political dialogue through multilingual communication with the citizens". (to be continued)
