No place for the Slovakian State Language Law in the EU

2010-02-09

The most important event of the February plenary session of the European Parliament (EP) is the introduction of the new European Commission and the debate concerning expectations related to the composition and activity of the Commission.


Following a spirited debate, the EP elected the new commission led by J.M. Barosso, by 488 in favour, 137 against and 72 abstentions. The new Commission will be in office until October 31st 2014.

DAHR’s MEP Sógor Csaba also took the floor during the debate.

“A question posed by Kissinger could be heard often lately: “Who do I call, if I want to call Europe?” Do we need strong characters, politicians with a prime profile? No, I say we need strong European institutions. We need a Commission, a Parliament, a Union, where any commissioner, any MEP picking up the phone can give a competent answer and is able to find a competent solution.”

My telephone question concerns historical minority rights: we need an EU where minority rights are respected. There is no place for the Slovakian State Language Law within the European Union. 

With the above mentioned Language Law being applied, it is not only European and Human Rights Conventions that were encroached on but one of the major achievements of European integration, the functioning of the internal market is also at risk.

I am calling upon the Commission to take the necessary steps for the full enforcement of the Community law as indicated in compliance with the opinion of the Committee of Legal Affairs.