eu language wars
As we have noted, English is becoming increasingly dominant as the language in which the EU functions. But some people are unhappy about this development. Last week Jacques Chirac, the French President, walked out of the summit meeting when the French head of UNICE (organisation of employers) addressed the meeting in English. According to the BBC story, President Chirac explained why he walked out as follows:
Faced with the efforts that we are making constantly, particularly within the European Union… I must say that I was deeply shocked to see a Frenchman speak at the council in English. That is the reason why the French delegation and I left, rather than have to listen to that.
It seems to me that President Chirac is trying to be the new Charles de Gaulle, who had a reputation for acting in that manner, and walking out on EU affairs.
Given that Spain and Italy (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4285053.stm) have already voiced similar concerns, it seems like this will continue to be a problem. This is unless the EU sets out a rule which forces the use of only one working language. Obviously, this would be difficult; but with the continued movement of goods, services, and people over the borders, the need to speak and understand (and accept) another language may loosen over time people’s tight grip over the need to use their own language.
Pres. Chirac is feeling the consequences of submitting to a supra-national organization. In order for the EU to efficiently act as competition with other nations such as the U.S., eventually they must all agree on one language. English is a natural choice for some people, because many people in the EU are trying to form in the fashion of the US & think of the US as main competition & a country that does a lot of business with the EU.