EFNIL Calls for Stronger EU Action on Language Equality

The European Federation of National Institutions for Language (EFNIL) has issued a call to the European Commission and Parliament to ensure that media content and communication devices support all official EU languages. The organization warns that the increasing dominance of a few major languages in digital services threatens linguistic diversity and undermines the EU’s commitment to multilingualism. 

Challenges in Digital Services

EFNIL highlights issues with streaming platforms, spell checkers, and smart devices that fail to comply with national language standards. Services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime often do not provide subtitles or dubbing in all EU languages. Similarly, Apple’s iOS, Google Maps, and AI-driven spell checkers exclude several official languages, limiting accessibility for millions of EU citizens. Even if language support is offered, not all language technology products support the official national rules for spelling, grammar and terminology that public institutions in most European states are obliged to follow.  

The Need for Legislative Action

The present practices are not in accordance with the principles of the European Parliament resolution of 11 September 2018 on language equality in the digital age (2018/2028 (INI)). To address these gaps, EFNIL urges the EU to update key directives, including those on audiovisual media services and electronic communications (e.g. Directive 2010/13/EU on audiovisual media services, Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services). Stronger regulations would require digital service providers to support all official languages, ensuring equal access to technology and media.

Protecting Linguistic Diversity

EFNIL warns that without action, linguistic inequality will grow, particularly as AI-driven technologies continue to favor dominant languages. This could particularly impact children, individuals who face difficulties learning the official state languages, and those working or studying in fields where English is already the dominant language, such as technology and science. The EU must reinforce its commitment to multilingualism and hold corporations accountable to prevent the marginalization of smaller languages in the digital age.

EFNIL’s plea to support national governments in gaining access to media content and communication devices in the languages of their citizens is available on their website.