Markus J. Prutsch Workshop at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies Innsbruck, 9 November 2012 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 1
Structure of Presentation 1. The European Parliament s Research and Policy-Advice Services (Policy Departments) 2. (Classical) Languages in European Education and Culture Policies 3. Outlook: Challenges for Future EU Language Policies 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 2
1. The EP s Policy Departments (I) Mission: Providing research services and expertise to parliamentary bodies and the general public Activities: Carrying out research tailor-made to the needs of parliamentary bodies Providing expertise and policy advice for the political decision-making process Managing allocated budgets for external expertise ( Research Administration ) Interacting with (research) services and bodies in the EU and beyond 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 3
1. The EP s Policy Departments (II) DG IPOL DIRECTORATE A DIRECTORATE B DIRECTORATE C DIRECTORATE D POLDEP A POLDEP B POLDEP C POLDEP BUDG ENVI AGRI LIBE BUDG ITRE CULT JURI CONT ECON PECH AFCO EMPL REGI FEMM IMCO TRAN PETI 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 4
1. The EP s Policy Departments (III) Type of Expertise: Internal External Form of Expertise: Briefing Papers Notes Studies Workshops Panels of Experts Fact Sheets 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 5
1. The EP s Policy Departments (IV) Characteristics of Expertise: Policy orientation Forward planning with respect to EU priorities and policies Close cooperation with parliamentary bodies Objectivity and independence Transparency and accessibility Academic excellence 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 6
1. The EP s Policy Departments (V) Culture and Education : The cultural aspects of the EU, particularly improving the knowledge and dissemination of culture, protecting and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, conserving and safeguarding cultural heritage, cultural exchange and artistic creation; The EU s education policy, including European higher education, and the promotion of European schools and lifelong learning; Audiovisual policy; Youth, sports and leisure policy; Information and media policy; Cooperation with third countries in the areas of culture and education, and relations with pertinent international organisations and institutions. 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 7
2. (Classical) Languages and the EU (I) EU Language Policy: Aim to protect linguistic diversity and promote knowledge of languages; Policy of official multilingualism as deliberate tool of government unique in the world; Multilingualism adding transparency, more legitimacy and more efficiency; Multilingualism as a value for intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and prosperity; Important role of multilingualism in lifelong learning, media and information technologies, as well as in the EU s external relations. 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 8
2. (Classical) Languages and the EU (II) Milestones in EU Language Policies: Council conclusions of 12 May 2009 on a strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) 2009/C 119/02 Council Resolution of 21 November 2008 on a European strategy for multilingualism 2008/C 320/01 Commission Communication of 18 September 2008: Multilingualism an asset for Europe and a shared commitment COM(2008) 566 final 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 9
2. (Classical) Languages and the EU (III) Shortcomings: Noticeable discrepancy between theory and practice of multilingualism Neglect of classical languages Focus on languages spoken in EU Member States None or only random references in the applicable legal documents (see, e.g., Decision No 1934/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 on the European Year of Languages 2001) 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 10
2. (Classical) Languages and the EU (IV) A command of the respective mother tongue and knowledge of the classical languages, in particular Latin and Greek, can make it easier to learn other languages. Decision No 1934/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 July 2000 on the European Year of Languages 2001 Preamble, Point 10 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 11
3. Outlook Putting multilingualism into (educational) practice Widening the understanding of multilingualism to include classical languages Awareness-raising for classical languages as a unifying element of European culture and history, and as an important tool for European integration 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 12
Thank you for your attention! 09/11/2012 Workshop Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies 13