Welsh language to make Commission debut

On the 9 July 2009 the European Commission signed an agreement with the UK Government on a limited use of Welsh by the Commission. This follows the decision in 2008 by the Council of the European Union to approve a new status for the use of Welsh as a 'co-official' language within the EU institutions. The agreement with the European Commission relates to the use of Welsh in correspondence by citizens with the EC. All costs associated with this correspondence will be met by the Member State authorities themselves.

• Primary Source

Western Mail, 9.7.09: Brussels will now ring to the sound of Welsh talk http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/07/09/brussels-will-now-ring-to-the-sound-of-welsh-talk-91466-24109739/

ESO: Background information: Historic Moment for Welsh Language in Brussels http://www.europeansources.info/record/historic-moment-for-welsh-language-in-brussels/

WAG: Press Release, 8.7.09: European Commission welcomes correspondence in Welsh http://wales.gov.uk/news/topic/welsh/2009/090708welsh/?version=1&lang=en

Jill Evans, MEP: Press Release, 8.7.09: Welsh wins its place at the European Commission http://www.jillevans.net/jill_evans_press_welsh_090708.html

European Commission: Representation in Wales: Press Release, NR/09/02: European Commission signs agreement with the United Kingdom on the use of Welsh http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/about_us/office_in_wales/releases/pr0902_en.htm

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