European Day of Languages marks 25th anniversary
The landmark event has been running since 2001, raising awareness about Europe’s rich linguistic diversity and the benefits of learning languages.
How we are celebrating
Mobility, jobs, culture
This year’s theme is “Languages: your bridge to the future”. It’s a recognition of how essential language skills are for mobility, employability and cultural understanding. Erasmus+ and Creative Europe are two major examples of EU programmes which enable multilingualism and intercultural exchange.
Explore why multilingualism matters
The importance of motivation
This year’s anniversary introduces a ‘Motivation Manifesto’, an explanation of why motivation is so important in the process of learning languages. It calls on policymakers, teachers, schools and families to create a supportive “motivational ecology” that values all languages equally and encourages life-long learning.
Join the virtual event
Join us on 26 September for a virtual event and talk to language experts and professionals. You’ll be able to ask us about translation and interpretation, language policies, and learning, as well as learn how we’re supporting language learning and diversity.
You’ll need an EU Login account to join. Create an account here.
Register for the virtual event
Near you
On top of this, we're organising more than 70 local and national events throughout the EU. Dates vary, with most happening on or around 26 September.
Origins of the day
The European Day of Languages was set up by the European Commission and the Council of Europe in 2001. The institutions consider multilingualism to be a political necessity, rather than a cultural luxury. This is because language learning and language diversity strengthen democracy, inclusion, social cohesion and competitiveness.
Over the years, schools, cultural institutes, universities, and local communities have embraced the celebration, organising activities in all EU countries.
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