Objectives

The following points set out NPLD’s core objectives and key principles:

1. To exchange best practice and counselling in language usage and development and experience regarding policy making on linguistic diversity at all levels of governance; promote understanding, collaboration and partnerships in linguistic diversity; and seek greater international recognition of the importance of the contributions made by the members and associate members to promote linguistic diversity.
2. In line with the same notion, NPLD represents the voice of its autochthonous language communities that have their language regeneration effort undermined or blocked by their host state or states. It takes place at the national/regional, member state and EU level under the supervision and guidance of the respective governments that make up the Steering Committee of the NPLD.
3. It aims to directly provide input to and influence the EU Council, the decision making body of the EU. We contribute collectively to consultations conducted by the EU on matters relating to language policy and linguistic diversity and provide written submission as and when required.
4. It monitors forthcoming funding mechanisms and proposed legislation of relevance to the development of regional and minority languages.
5. It seeks to act in an advisory capacity to EU institutions, NGOs, member states and autonomous governments on all aspects of language policy, language promotion and regeneration.
6. Following the EU principle of solidarity, as far as is reasonably possible, and in line with its own members policy objectives, it exerts political influence on behalf of CRSS and regional and minority languages in order to secure linguistic equality for its members’ languages, the meaningful respect for linguistic diversity and to ensure that its members’ languages have the best possible conditions to flourish in. In order to develop meaningful linguistic diversity it represents all CRSS and regional and minority languages, with a special regard for those that are endangered or that face conditions that may endanger or hinder language development.
7. It applies for funding on behalf of CRSS and regional and minority language development at the EU and member state level.

Our work in practice

1. We continuously apply for EU funds for joint language projects.
2. Lobbying in the EU. Keeping regional and minority language issues on the agenda in the European Parliament, the Commission and EU Council. Subjects include linguistic equality and rights.
3. Monitoring all relevant EU proposals and legislation of possible benefit to NPLD members.
4. Advising EU institutions on language policy regarding regional and minority languages.
5. Sharing best practice comes about within the language projects as the partners share with the host.