Multilingualism in practice – key actions

The EU applies multilingualism in its institutions, and promotes language diversity and learning through a range of programmes and initiatives.

How the European Commission puts multilingualism into practice

The EU has respected linguistic diversity as a core principle ever since it was created. In fact, the first act adopted by the Council in 1958 was Regulation No 1, which set out the official languages to be used by the EU institutions.

The European Commission works in multiple languages so that EU citizens can access information and communicate in their own language. This includes translating documents, maintaining consistency across language versions and promoting clear, accessible communication in all EU official languages.

Languages and translation in the Commission
Learn how DG Translation helps to make sure everyone can access information, understand their rights and obligations and participate in public debate in the EU’s 24 official languages.

Key EU programmes supporting multilingualism

Several EU programmes promote language learning and multilingual cooperation. They help people and organisations improve their language skills, strengthen cooperation across countries, and support innovation in teaching and learning.

Erasmus+ 2021–2027 – the EU’s flagship education programme

Erasmus+ funds education, training, youth and sport activities across Europe. Around 9% of its cooperation projects in school education focus on language learning.

Participants can

study or train abroad in another EU country (including school pupils and vocational students)
access free online language support in a wide range of European languages while abroad
take part in cooperation projects between schools and other education providers to improve language learning
contribute to Erasmus+ Teacher Academies focusing on multilingualism and language awareness
join the European School Education Platform, the main hub for professionals in early childhood, primary, secondary and vocational education
apply for the European Language Label, which rewards innovative projects in language teaching, or receive a European Innovative Teaching Award
participate in language-related events, including the European Day of Languages.

Volunteering – the European Solidarity Corps

Through the European Solidarity Corps, the EU offers young people the opportunity to engage in voluntary activities in various areas and countries. This usually involves using foreign languages.

Get involved in European language initiatives
Take part in initiatives like the European Day of Languages or support campaigns that celebrate Europe’s rich linguistic landscape.

Other EU programmes that promote multilingualism

The EU also promotes multilingualism through these programmes:

Horizon Europe funds research and innovation by helping develop cutting-edge language technologies, including large language models
Digital Europe helps public and private organisations adopt language technologies
Creative Europe funds the translation of literary works, helping to preserve and promote Europe’s linguistic and cultural diversity

Language technologies and multilingualism

Creative Europe CULTURE strand – supporting and promoting Europe's culture sector

Examples of EU-funded projects

Here are some EU-funded projects that have explored various aspects of language learning, language teaching and multilingual communication.

LISTIAC – Linguistically Sensitive Teaching in All Classrooms
- Years: 2019–2022
- Funding: ~€2.4 million (Erasmus+, Key Action 3)
- Focus: Developed a reflective tool to help future and in-service teachers adopt linguistically responsive teaching methods. Influenced education policies in 8 countries.
Kamilala – Kamishibai Plurilingual Competition
- Years: 2019–2022
- Funding: ~€320,000 (Erasmus+, Key Action 2)
- Focus: Promoted language awareness through storytelling using the Japanese paper theatre format Kamishibai. Engaged teachers and pupils in creative plurilingual projects.
MaMLiSE – Multilingual and Multicultural Literacy in School Education
- Years: 2020–2023
- Funding: ~€450,000 (Erasmus+, Key Action 2)
- Focus: Developed teacher training materials and strategies for literacy in diverse classrooms.
TEAM – Teacher Education About Multilingualism
- Years: 2020–2023
- Funding: ~€440,000 (Erasmus+, Key Action 2)
- Focus: Created open educational resources for teacher educators, including glossaries, training modules and webinars.
Lang@Work
- Years: 2021–2024
- Funding: ~€380,000 (Erasmus+, Key Action 2)
- Focus: Explored how translanguaging can be used in vocational education and workplace training.
MultiMind – Multilingual Minds – Understanding Language and Cognition
- Years: 2019–2023
- Funding: ~€2.5 million (Horizon 2020 – European Research Council Advanced Grant)
- Focus: Investigated how multilingualism affects brain function and cognitive flexibility.
AThEME – Advancing the European Multilingual Experience
- Years: 2020–2023
- Funding: ~€2 million (Horizon 2020 – European Research Council Advanced Grant)
- Focus: Explored the benefits and challenges of multilingualism in Europe, including its impact on policy, integration and cognition.
EU-funded research projects on translation
- Years: 2016–2030
- Focus: Showcasing EU-funded projects that advance translation, interpreting and related skills through research, innovation and inclusive education.