ELEN Press Releases
UN Special Rapporteur for Minorities slams EU for its lack of protection of European minoritized languages.
Speaking in Brussels today, the UN Special Rapporteur for Minority Issues, Nicolas Levrat, strongly criticised the EU over its double standards regarding minority protection in general and the continuing lack of protection for European minoritized and endangered...
ELEN calls on EU to take action to protect European minoritised languages at the UN Forum for Minority Issues
ELEN has issued a formal statement at the UN Forum for Minority Issues in Geneva calling on the EU to take action to protect European minoritized and endangered languages, something that the EU is required to do under Article 2 of the Lisbon Treaty. The statement,...
ELEN General Assembly 2025: language activists to campaign for EU measures to protect European minoritized languages.
Around 100 delegates representing 182 language activist organisations gathered in Barcelona over the weekend for the 2025 ELEN General Assembly hosted by CIEMEN and supported by the Catalan Government and Barcelona Council. The meeting covered a wide range of issues...
Events
Comhghairdeas Conradh na Gaeilge!
This year’s theme, Youth voices on multilingual education, reminds us that multilingualism is not just a social reality — it is a fundamental human characteristic and a right.
21st February commemorates the 1952 Language Movement in Dhaka, when students were killed defending their right to speak Bangla. Since its proclamation by UNESCO and adoption by the UN General Assembly, this day has become a global call to protect linguistic rights.
Today, 40% of learners worldwide still do not receive education in a language they understand best. Young speakers of minoritised languages are disproportionately affected.
Multilingual education is essential for inclusion, equity and effective learning. Language equality begins in the classroom.
Across Europe, millions speak languages that are minoritised — not minor.
On this International Mother Language Day, ELEN – European Language Equality Network reaffirms its commitment to advancing linguistic rights and full equality for all European languages.
Because every language deserves to be heard.
#LanguageEquality #IMLD2026 #MultilingualEducation #LinguisticRights #ELEN MotherLanguageDay
