Maltese 'loses' smallest language status in EU

The European Parliament is usually described as a Babylon of languages due to the fact that MEPs can officially speak in 20 languages and still be understood.

The Maltese language is considered to be the smallest language out of the 20 "official" EU languages spoken in the Parliament. This is not only due to the fact that the language is spoken by only 400,000 people but is recognised by the EU as an official language, but also because, effectively, there are only five Maltese MEPs in the Parliament who speak and understand the language.

However, the distinction of Maltese being the least spoken EU language in the European Parliament was lost last week as during a parliamentary session held in Strasbourg, MEPs had the opportunity to hear a speech in another new language - Welsh.

MEP Jill Evans, who leads the campaign for Welsh to be officially recognised by the European Union, spoke in her native tongue on Wednesday. It is believed there are only two other MEPs in the European Parliament who can understand Welsh.

Ms Evans was allowed to speak Welsh under new rules adopted last month. According to these rules, MEPs are now allowed to speak in a non-official EU language, although there will not be any translation and interpretation services available.

During her speech, Ms Evans said that the best way for Europe to communicate with its citizens was by communicating in their own language.

The right for Maltese to become an official EU language was gained during the accession negotiations. This in effect meant that all EU documents had to start being translated into Maltese and every meeting had to be provided with Maltese interpretation services.

Although a lack of qualified interpreters and translators have meant that this has not fully come about, the problem should be resolved in a few years time when the proper recruitment takes place.