Welsh gains new status in EU

The use of Welsh on the international stage took a major step forward on the 15 July 2008, following a decision by the European Union Council of Ministers. They have decided that in future, Ministers will be able to speak in Welsh when representing the UK at the Council of Ministers and have their words translated simultaneously. Citizens will also be able to write in Welsh to office holders at the Council.

• Primary Source

Western Mail, 17.7.08: EU says yes to Welsh language http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/07/17/eu-says-yes-to-welsh-language-91466-21355327/

Eurolang: Press Release, 20.11.08: EU welcomes the dragon's tongue, Cymraeg http://www.eurolang.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3116&Itemid=0

France24, 20.11.08: Welsh language makes EU debut http://www.france24.com/en/20081120-welsh-language-makes-eu-debut

Western Mail, 21.11.08: Breakthrough as minister uses Welsh at EU council http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/11/21/breakthrough-as-minister-uses-welsh-at-eu-council-91466-22307749/

ESO: Background information: Labour-Plaid argue about £½m EU translation bill http://www.europeansources.info/record/labour-plaid-argue-about-%c2%bdm-eu-translation-bill/

Western Mail, 20.11.08: Welsh to be spoken for first time at EU meeting http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/11/20/welsh-to-be-spoken-for-first-time-at-eu-meeting-91466-22298145/

Welsh Labour Party: Press Release, 15.7.08: Welsh gains new EU status http://www.labour.org.uk/wales/welsh_gains_new_eu_status

Plaid Cymru: Press release, 20.11.08: Making history in Welsh http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID=101;ID=935;lID=1

Jill Evans MEP: Press Releases: Welsh language http://www.jillevans.net/jill_evans_press_welsh.html

Jon Worth: Euroblog, 21.11.08: A Welsh waste of time http://www.jonworth.eu/a-welsh-waste-of-time/#comments

BBC News, 20.11.08: 'Historic' use of Welsh in EU http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7739425.stm

Welsh Language Board: Contacting the European Union in Welsh http://www.byig-wlb.org.uk/English/services/Pages/YGymraegaEwrop.aspx

---