language rights in the eu
I have previously noted that Spain has argued that the Spanish language should be given greater prominence within the EU. And we have seen that the EU celebrates its linguistic diversity. Spain and the Council have now concluded an administrative arrangement to facilitate Spanish citizens communicating with EU institutions in their own language even if this is not Castilian (Spanish) provided that the language is recognised by the Spanish Constitution (Euskara, Catalan and Galician). In relation to written communications the Spanish citizens will send them to the Spanish Government for translation and forwarding to the EU institutions. Under certain circumstances Spanish representatives will be able to address the Council in a Spanish language other than Castilian (request made in advance, cost of translation borne by Spain). Spain will also provide certified translations of measures adopted by co-decision into the other languages and these will be linked to from the Council’s website with disclaimers stating that “those translations do not engage the responsibility of the Institutions of the Union and have no legal value”.
Meanwhile, more data suggesting that English is the dominant language in the EU.