Salvador Illa, the President of Catalonia, is advocating for the recognition of Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official EU languages. He believes that giving official status to these languages is essential for acknowledging the identity of European citizens. Currently, the EU has 24 official languages, and all legal acts and treaties are translated into each of these languages. However, the proposal to include Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official EU languages is facing resistance and has made limited progress since it was presented by Spain during its rotating presidency in the summer of 2023. The estimated cost of adding these three languages would be around 132 million euros per year, including expenses for translation and interpretation services.
Illa’s push for the recognition of Catalan as an official EU language is part of his broader efforts to strengthen the relationship between Catalonia and the European Union. He has made it a priority to engage with EU institutions and officials to promote Catalonia’s involvement in the European project. This includes meetings with high-ranking EU officials such as the president of the European Council and the vice president of the European Commission. Illa views this engagement as a way to close the gap that emerged during Catalonia’s pro-independence movement, known as the Procés. He believes that focusing on common ground and unity is crucial in a rapidly changing world.
The proposal to include Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official EU languages has raised skepticism among some EU member states, who view it as a political maneuver by the Spanish government. The proposal was initially put forward by Pedro Sánchez’s government as a concession to pro-independence parties, particularly in Catalonia. However, Illa emphasizes that the recognition of these languages is not solely a political issue but a matter of linguistic fairness. With an estimated 20 million citizens who speak these languages, Illa argues that their official status in the EU is necessary to uphold their linguistic rights and cultural identity.
Illa’s efforts to promote Catalan’s recognition as an official EU language have faced challenges, but he remains determined to push for this change. He envisions a future where Catalonia is fully integrated into the European project and actively contributes to its development. By engaging with EU institutions and officials, Illa aims to overcome the historical tensions between Catalonia and the EU and foster a more collaborative relationship. He believes that in a world marked by rapid change, strengthening common bonds and shared values is crucial for building a cohesive European community.
For Illa, the recognition of Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official EU languages is not just about translation and interpretation services but about acknowledging the cultural diversity and linguistic heritage of European citizens. By including these languages in the EU’s official languages, Illa hopes to send a message of inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity. Despite the challenges and political complexities involved in this proposal, Illa remains committed to advocating for the recognition of Catalan as an official EU language and strengthening Catalonia’s ties with the European Union. His vision is to promote unity and collaboration within the EU, emphasizing the importance of shared values and common goals in a rapidly changing global context.
