A group of MEPs led by Catherine Griset (PfE) has asked the European Commission what it is doing to promote Romance languages within the EU institutions, warning that English dominance is marginalising languages spoken by nearly half of EU citizens. The written question, submitted on 13 April 2026 under Rule 144, argues that Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian together are the mother tongue or main language of around 210 to 215 million EU citizens, yet English remains the de facto working language despite Brexit and shifting transatlantic ties.
The MEPs frame the marginalisation of Romance languages as a symptom of a technocratic EU detached from its citizens. They pose three specific queries: what effort the Commission is making to promote Romance languages internally; whether systematic translation of working documents into all 24 official languages at every stage remains an objective; and whether the Commission and its agencies should prioritise recruitment and promotions favouring staff who speak languages other than English, including Romance languages.
The question cites figures from French and international sources showing Spanish has 600 million speakers worldwide, French 396 million, and Portuguese around 275 million. It notes that Spanish and French are now the third and fourth most spoken languages globally after Mandarin and English.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up The question signals a push for greater linguistic diversity and a reduction in English primacy within EU bodies. The MEPs appear to advocate for stronger enforcement of multilingualism rules, more translation resources, and language-based hiring preferences. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it sees language policy as a priority and whether it is willing to adjust internal practices to accommodate Romance languages.
Stakeholder impacts If the Commission acts on the question, EU staff and job applicants who speak Romance languages could benefit from new recruitment criteria, while English-only speakers might face reduced opportunities. EU institutions would face increased translation costs and administrative complexity. Proponents of multilingualism would see a symbolic victory, while efficiency advocates might warn of slower workflows and higher expenses.
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