European Language Equality Network

The European Language Equality Network, ELEN, was formed after the closure of EBLUL, European Bureau for Lesser-Used Languages, which had had its funding cut by the European Union. ELEN was established in 2011 based on the former European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages’ (EBLUL) member-state committees, Eurolang, plus many umbrella and individual language NGOs from most EU member states.

ELEN’s purpose is to represent the 50 million people, 10% of the EU’s population, who speak a regional, minority, or endangered language (RML). ELEN represents 44 regional, minority and endangered languages in 18 States, so far.

External links

• European Language Equality Network
• Council of Europe: Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
• Council of Europe: Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities
• United Nations: Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities