The President of Germany, Joachim Gauck, last week called for English to become the official language of the European Union. He insisted that, as English is the most commonly shared language across the European community, more effort should be put into teaching English as a second language in order to improve communications across the continent and bring together a united Europe.
Although greeted with approval by many, there has been opposition to President Gauck’s proposals, most notably from French diplomats, who feel their linguistic heritage is under threat.
Europe ‘needs the UK’s traditions’
Mr Gauck’s appeal for a common language was also combined with a request to the UK to stay in the EU. He believes that the UK saved Europe during the Second World War and that the European community needs the UK’s ‘traditions, pragmatism and courage’ if it is to survive.
Mr Gauck said: “One of the main problems we have in building a more integrated European community is the inadequate communication within Europe” and that English as the common language would not cause any loss to any nation, instead it would bring us all closer together.
The benefits of a common language
He explained: “I am convinced that feeling at home in one’s native language and its magic, and being able to speak enough English to get by in all situations and at all ages, can exist alongside each other in Europe.”
Mr Gauck continued: “A common language would make it easier to realise my wish for Europe’s future — a European agora, a common forum for discussion to enable us to live together in a democratic order.”
French and English ‘benchmark languages’
French was central to communication in the early days of the European Economic Community and it still stands alongside English as the benchmark languages for all documentation and translation in the EU.
However, with the arrival of more Eastern European countries into the EU, where French is less commonly spoken, English has become much more important than French to overall communication within modern Europe.
With this in mind, President Gauck also called for a common European television channel to be broadcast in English to keep all countries up to date on happenings across the continent.
English language European television channel
The English language European television channel would include current debate affecting all European communities, including employment issues, environmental news, political concerns and family issues.
Mr Gauck explained it would be “a multichannel, linked to the Internet for at least 27 states, for the young and old, for onliners and offliners, for pro-Europeans and Eurosceptics”, uniting and informing everyone about European issues and maintaining open communication channels between all EU member states.
Should English be the official language of Europe?
What do you think about these ideas for a more strongly united Europe?
Do you think English should become the official language of the EU?
Can this harm the languages of individual countries, or will it help to harmonise Europe and aid communication?
