The number of students learning foreign languages (English, above all) in primary schools is increasing, in the same way as the countries in which at least two foreign languages are taught. However, in general, the number of hours devoted to these subjects is still rather modest. These are some of the results described in a survey by network Eurydice, presented by the European Commission. The research, conducted in the 31 countries taking part in the programme "Lifelong Learning", is commented by Ján Figel’, education commissioner: "Even though there is progress, some work has still to be done to give every student a chance to learn two foreign languages at school. This is the objective fixed by the Member States in Barcelona in 2002". Leonard Orban, multilingualism commissioner, added: "Multilingualism is a matter concerning the whole European society. It begins with school and goes on to many other fields, because we are supposed to master an increasing number of languages to promote social cohesion and prosperity". Among the most important results of the research, it emerged that "the teaching of a foreign language starts earlier, but the time devoted to it is limited"; "in most countries, two languages are taught at school"; "the English language is taught to 90% of students".
