"At the Council of Europe, we firmly believe that languages are fundamental to the promotion of peace, as well as to underpin our work in many crucial areas. From our efforts in the fight against discrimination, to migration, education, cultural diversity and heritage protection, languages are at the heart of our desire to make every voice heard, every culture respected, and every individual valued," said Falk Lange.

He added that Europe is now home to over 200 languages, "each of which contributes to the cultural mosaic of the continent".

"This linguistic diversity is an asset. On this European Day of Languages, we at the Council of Europe reaffirm our commitment to promote multilingualism, to support language education and to ensure that no language is marginalized or forgotten," he added.

The European Day of Languages, a Council of Europe initiative, has been celebrated annually on September 26 since 2001. Since then, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of language learning to enhance plurilingualism and intercultural understanding, promote Europe's rich linguistic and cultural diversity and encourage lifelong language learning.

This year's European Day of Languages events in Chisinau are organized in partnership with ten European countries: Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Romania and Switzerland. Each country will present its culture and language through interactive activities in 10 different locations in the center of Chisinau, giving visitors the opportunity to familiarize themselves with various aspects of Europe's linguistic heritage. Participants will have the chance to win books, information booklets, electronic reading devices and free language courses.

The European Day of Languages events also open the second edition of the FILIT Chisinau International Festival of Literature and Translation, which will take place until 29^th of September.