The problem of multilingualism in the European Union: a historical perspective and evolution

Abstract

The reality of multilingualism in the European institutions is a more complex issue than its motto: United in Diversity. The increasing penetration of English in the everyday use of European citizens and its establishment as the language of choice in international business and communications threatens to push other languages aside. The issue is not new and different countries, notably France, have developed strategies to preserve multilingualism and, with it, the position of their language. Day-to-day life with 27 countries is costly and time-consuming, which is why more and more voices are calling for practicality. However, this calls into question the future of a union of different countries, each with its own language and culture, who want Europe to protect them and not threaten their continuity. This dissertation examines the contradictory realities and strategies that have developed in recent decades in relation to this multilingual condition of the Union.