Information society: multiannual programme to promote the linguistic diversity of Europe (MLIS)

The Committee approves and endorses the objectives set out in the Commission proposal, but would however like the Commission, the Council and the Parliament to note that, in order to respect the terms of the Treaty regarding the economic and social cohesion of the EU more attention and action is required. There is a need for specific provision to be made allowing the majority of European citizens rapidly to master two or three Community languages, in particular by strengthening learning at school, which remains the principal means of language learning. The usefulness of a shared working language entails the risk of linguistic standardization and excessive simplification produced by the dilution or loss of cultural values rooted in, and transmitted by, various languages which are gradually being pushed back. �