Making Catalan an official EU language: Poland and Spain take 'one more step'

As Poland takes on the presidency of the Council of Europe from January 1st onwards, the request from Spain to make Catalan, Galician and Basque official languages of the European Union could be making progress. 

Spanish foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, discussed the project with his polish counterpart December 16th. They have agreed on holding a meeting "soon" with their EU secretaries of state.  

Albares also confirmed the elaboration of a report from the European commission regarding the costs of making Catalan, Basque and Galician official, estimated around €132 million in December 2023. 

The request to make Catalan an official language of the European Union dates back to the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU in 2023, a demand of pro-independence party ERC for backing Pedro Sánchez's re-election as Spanish PM.

It was discussed several times during at that time and during the Belgian presidency at the beginning of 2024 without success.  

To be granted, the request needs to be unanimously accepted by all 27 countries of the Council of Europe. 

Many countries such as Finland or Sweden are still reluctant to include three new official languages, considering the cost and effort needed to translate official documents and websites. 

Poland said last week that it would bring back the topic to the Council of the EU if "there is a will" among member states. 

European Parliament

Another procedure to make Catalan, Galician and Basque official has been activated through the European Parliament.  

The new president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, had announced in July that the use of Catalan could be debated during this term.  

To make the use of Catalan in the parliament official, seven vice presidents need to back the proposal. With the new board elected in July which includes a Spanish MEP, the Socialist Javi López, it appears to be more feasible. 

In December, Spanish foreign minister Albares also met the president of the Parliament, Mersola, to discuss the issue.