On Monday evening, Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser tried to deliver a speech in Luxembourgish during the plenary session in Strasbourg. However, his microphone was swiftly turned off, as per parliamentary rules, which prohibit speeches in languages not included among the EU’s 24 official languages.
In an interview with our colleagues from RTL.lu, Minister of Culture Eric Thill suggested that Kartheiser’s move diverged from the position of his own party, the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR).
Thill argued that Kartheiser’s actions contradicted statements made by the ADR in the Chamber of Deputies in January 2024, when the party called on the government to seek EU recognition for Luxembourgish. At that time, the ADR acknowledged that obtaining such recognition might require waiving translation requirements. Thill noted that Kartheiser’s recent speech appeared to advocate not only for official recognition of Luxembourgish but also for its translation into other EU languages.
Read also: Language debate in parliament: Luxembourgish is alive and well, says vast majority of MPs
Minister Thill remained vague on the government’s plans to promote the Luxembourgish language internationally, mentioning only that a “pragmatic” solution is being developed within his ministry. This proposal, which will include legal, socio-linguistic, and foreign policy elements, is expected to be presented to the Government Council in the near future.
Thill stressed that the government is “proud of [Luxembourg’s] multilinguism” as well as the Luxembourgish language, stating that efforts should focus on “promoting and strengthening our beloved Luxembourg heritage” at the European level, “within the realm of possibility.”
Unofficial language: MEP Kartheiser interrupted after addressing EU Parliament in Luxembourgish
Language debate in parliament: Luxembourgish is alive and well, says vast majority of MPs
