The European Language Label (ELL) rewards creativity and innovation in language teaching and learning. Since 1998, it has been supporting schools, universities, training centres and other organisations at all levels of education – from early childhood to lifelong learning – across Europe and Erasmus+ partner countries in making language learning more effective, inclusive and engaging.
Each year, schools and other institutions are encouraged to address a particular theme linked to specific European or national priorities.
The 2025 theme is citizenship education, covering
- participation in democracy
- common values
- civic engagement.
Why apply for the label?
Being awarded the European Language Label can help you
- gain recognition at national and European level
- share your innovative teaching methods
- inspire other schools and organisations
- promote multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding
- present your project at the European Innovative Teaching Award ceremony in Brussels.
Who can apply?
The award is open to
- schools and universities
- education and training centres
- local and regional authorities
- employers
- associations
- individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of language teaching and learning.
How to apply
Check your Erasmus+ national agency’s website for calls for applications, deadlines and national priorities reflecting local or national needs.
National agencies select the winning projects. Most countries award labels annually, but some award them every 2 years. To maintain the label’s prestige, the number of projects is limited.
Selection criteria
To receive the European Language Label, your project must demonstrate
- relevance to learners’ needs
- originality and creativity
- ability to motivate learners and teachers
- a European dimension
- transferability as good practice.
Discover more European Language Label projects in the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform