A significant feasibility study concerning the creation of a ‘European Agency for Linguistic Diversity and Language Learning’ was recently published with support from the European Commission.  The study has shown that there exist needs that can be solved by interventions at the EU-level: either by filling in gaps or by more efficiently responding to needs through the offering of solutions at the EU-level.

Main conclusions

• The case for setting up an autonomous EU Agency in the broad domain of lingusistic diversity and language learning is strong. This is mainly linked to the increasing importance of this policy domain and the opportunities that exist to significantly improve the public sector efficiency and impact through EU-level initiatives.
• Setting up an autonomous Agency is not the only potential solution to help cover the gaps and needs. The most valid alternative solution would be a networking model that could federate and enhance efforts of various types of organisations active in the field.

A final choice between the two main options proposed will eventually be a political decision. ACA will monitor developments along these lines.