The European Parliament has endorsed an amendment tabled by MEP Simon Busuttil to include a budget line directing financial assistance towards lesser-used languages in the European Union.

The amendment was first approved by the Budget Committee earlier this month and given the nod this week by the European Parliament plenary during a vote at first reading on next year's EU budget.

Despite being an official EU language, the Maltese language is a lesser-used language. The purpose of Dr Busuttil's amendment was to seek support at EU level for the promotion of lesser-used languages.

"The budget line will therefore enable pilot projects and similar initiatives to promote further the practice of official languages coming from small Member States throughout the EU," the Ministry of Education said. This initiative was worked upon jointly by Dr Busuttil and the ministry.

The MEP said this initiative fitted perfectly the EU philosophy of language diversity and multilingualism. "Lesser-used languages have tougher challenges to overcome, not least in terms of resources, and this initiative goes some way in overcoming these challenges."

Education Minister Dolores Cristina also welcomed the initiative, saying Malta should seize all available opportunities at EU level to support and strengthen the Maltese language.

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