The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has today published the 12th report of the Secretary General on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. 

The report covers two consecutive years (2023-2024) and reflects, among others on the situation of the ratifications by Council of Europe member states, on states parties’ compliance with their undertakings, and on progress in legislative recognition and institutional support for linguistic diversity across member states. While emphasising the importance of enhanced cooperation between national authorities and linguistic communities as a key factor to strengthen implementation efforts, the Secretary General also identifies ongoing challenges, such as timely submission of state reports in order to maintain the stability of the monitoring process; facilitating effective implementation via stronger links between recommendations and cooperation activities; or adapting the Charter to modern developments like digitalization while engaging youth in revitalizing regional and minority languages. 

The Secretary General calls on Council of Europe member states to multiply their efforts to ratify the Charter, the only treaty in the world that aims to protect and promote regional or minority languages and provides its states parties with a common and internationally recognised framework for their language policy. The Charter, having marked its 25th anniversary in 2023, remains a vital tool for preserving Europe’s linguistic diversity, fostering inclusion, and promoting cultural heritage. 

Lastly, the Secretary General reiterates that the Council of Europe remains committed to supporting states in completing the ratification process and implementing recommendations, with the Parliamentary Assembly playing a crucial role in promoting linguistic diversity for peace and stability in Europe.

[Based on Article 16, paragraph 5 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages the Secretary General of the Council of Europe presents his report on the application of the Charter biannually.]