(Brussels) The 2024 European Day of Languages is being celebrated today, “a yearly opportunity – according to the EU Commission – to raise awareness of language learning and linguistic diversity in Europe”. On this day, many language and culture institutes, associations, universities and schools will be attending over 70 local and national events across the EU, organised by the Council of Europe, the European Commission and its national offices. “This year, attention is focussed on the results of the Eurobarometer language survey, which clearly shows that the majority of Europeans agree on the importance of speaking at least a second language. For instance, to find new job opportunities outside one’s country, to understand people from different cultures, which is also an added value for the European single market”.
In addition, the European Day of Languages stands out for another two online events on cultural and linguistic diversity and for the 20th anniversary of the great Eastern enlargement of the EU. The European Commissioner Johannes Hahn stated: “Learning a new language is like a fantastic plunge into a different culture and a different way of thinking which brings us closer together. Now more than ever language skills are essential for life and employment”.