Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has welcomed the theme of this year’s European Day of Languages, which is “languages unite!”
As someone who has consistently used Irish in her work since her election to the European Parliament in 2024, Ní Mhurchú calls the European Day of Languages “an important reminder of the diversity at the heart of Europe.”
Established by the Council of Europe in 2001, the day celebrates Europe’s many languages and promotes language learning and multilingualism.
For the Ireland South MEP, it provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of ensuring Irish is treated as equal to the other 23 official working languages of the EU.
There is currently a derogation in place until 2029, which means Irish has secondary status as an official EU language. Services are therefore limited in the language, meaning MEPs cannot consistently speak Irish as it cannot be guaranteed that interpretation will be provided.
“On European Day of Languages, we should celebrate how languages unite us – and make sure every language, including Irish, has an equal opportunity to be heard.
I call on my fellow MEPs and all Irish public representatives to use the language to the best of their ability, in particular while Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.”
