London, UK – Europe
Europe marked the annual European Day of Languages (EDL) on Friday, September 26, 2025, with a continent-wide celebration promoting the continent’s immense linguistic wealth and encouraging citizens of all ages to embrace new languages. The day, celebrated every year since 2001, underscores the crucial role of multilingualism in fostering democracy, mutual understanding, and inclusion across Europe.
Jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the European Commission, this year’s observance, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of the EDL initiative, was held under the theme: “Languages open hearts and minds!”
Headline Points
* Celebration of Multilingualism: The EDL highlights the 24 official EU languages plus over 60 regional and minority languages spoken in Europe, alongside languages brought by migrant communities.
* Key Objectives: The day aims to raise awareness of linguistic diversity, promote cultural heritage, and encourage lifelong language learning for personal and professional development.
* Anniversary Theme: The 2025 theme, “Languages open hearts and minds!” emphasised the connection between language learning, empathy, and broadened horizons.
* Activities Across the Continent: Thousands of events took place, ranging from “speak-dating” and language cafés to free online taster classes in languages like Irish, Ukrainian, and Afrikaans.
* Focus on Democracy: Official statements from the Council of Europe stressed the importance of language learning as a foundation for democratic participation and intercultural dialogue.
An Alliance for Awareness
The European Day of Languages was established as a successful follow-up to the European Year of Languages in 2001. The core principle is the promotion of plurilingualism—the ability to use different languages to whatever standard—as a vital skill for citizens of a mobile, modern Europe. Learning languages is seen not just as an academic pursuit, but as a practical tool that enhances job opportunities, boosts self-confidence, and allows deeper enjoyment of culture.
Events that Open Hearts and Minds
Across Europe, the day was filled with vibrant, interactive events designed to introduce people to new languages and cultures. Schools, universities, cultural institutions, and public bodies hosted numerous initiatives:
* Language Taster Classes: Free, “bite-size” online sessions offered introductions to a diverse array of languages, allowing attendees to learn basic phrases in under an hour.
* Cultural Festivals: Many cities held language festivals and cultural events, featuring multilingual performances, film screenings, and book fairs.
* Interactive Sessions: Events like Language Cafés and a “Big Bonjour Challenge” provided fun, low-pressure environments for people to practise and celebrate languages spoken in their communities, even those less widely taught.
In a statement ahead of the day, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe underscored the anniversary’s significance, calling the EDL a “powerful reminder of the importance of language learning for democratic participation, inclusion, and mutual understanding.”
By celebrating its linguistic diversity, Europe reaffirmed its commitment to a future where citizens are empowered to connect across borders, enriching their own lives while strengthening the continent’s collective cultural and democratic fabric.
