4.3.3 European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

Article 22 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights states, as a broad principle, that: ‘The Union respects cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.’

This is defined more clearly in the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages adopted by the Council of Europe in 1992, the purpose of which is to encourage the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages throughout Europe.

The UK Government signed the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 2000 and it was ratified by the UK Parliament in 2001. The Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts visits countries that have signed up to the Charter on a regular basis in order to monitor its implementation.