The European Language Label
The European Language Label is an award encouraging the development of new techniques and initiatives in the field of language learning and teaching, as well as the enhancement of intercultural awareness across Europe.
The Label is awarded annually or biannually to the most innovative language learning projects in each EU Member State and third country associated to Erasmus+ (previously called Erasmus+ programme countries).
By supporting such initiatives at both a local and a national level, the Label seeks, in particular, to raise the standards of language teaching across Europe.
Applying to the European Language Label
The European Language Label is typically awarded by Erasmus+ national agencies. For further information on how to apply, please check the website of Erasmus+ national agency in your country.
Every year or every second year (depending on the country), the European Language Label is awarded to projects that support at least one of the European themes identified for that year. European themes may be complemented with national themes.
Themes you should consider when applying
The European themes for projects applying in 2023-2024 for the European Language Label are
- supporting newly arrived migrants and displaced children and young people in their language learning needs
- professional development of teachers to address inclusion and intercultural dialogue, in particular about the increased linguistic diversity in the classroom
- support to projects addressing minorities and regional languages as a means to promote equity, social cohesion and active citizenship
- language learning which supports the personal growth of adult learners
Previous themes
The themes for projects applying in 2021-2022 were
- the enhancement of language learning through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital media
- language learning and the promotion of equity, social cohesion and active citizenship
- the professional development of language teachers
Discover winning projects
Explore these examples of language initiatives that have already received the European Language Label award
- watch the video celebrating innovative language projects between 2014 and 2020 as part of the Erasmus+ programme and the European Language Label
- read the compendium presenting the European Language Labels awarded in 2019 throughout Europe
The European Day of Languages
The European Day of Languages is a yearly event held on 26 September. It offers a chance to
- raise awareness of the broad variety of languages in Europe
- promote cultural and linguistic diversity
- encourage people of all ages to learn languages
Learning languages makes it easier to connect with others, find a job and for businesses to grow.
The European Day of Languages was established in 2001 by the European Commission and the Council of Europe and has been celebrated every year since.
Many language and cultural institutes, associations, universities and, in particular, schools take part. Language classes, games, talks, conferences, radio shows and more take place all across Europe on and around 26 September.
More information on the latest events can be found on the Council of Europe's European Day of Languages website. The European Commission's representation offices organise a large array of events in collaboration with their partners in all EU Member States.
2021 European Day of Languages
Find out what the European Union is doing to promote a comprehensive approach to the teaching and learning of languages
Follow us on social media
For more updates about European language initiatives, follow
- the Commission's Directorate-General for Translation (DGT) on Twitter
- the Commission's Directorate-General for Translation on Facebook