On 11 April 2024, the Coppieters Foundation was invited to participate in the 22nd debate of the European Committee of the Regions’ Commission for the Environment, Climate Change, and Energy (ENVE). Alongside representatives from other political foundations, we engaged in discussions regarding effective communication strategies for policies related to the European Green Deal at the local and regional levels.
During the debate, the Coppieters Foundation emphasized the significance of addressing the intersectionality between environmental issues and socioeconomic and political dynamics within Europe. The Foundation advocated for the inclusion of language, cultural, and national minorities in European strategies for transmitting environmental policies. This approach is crucial for ensuring that the European Union’s Green Deal is not only effective but also socially just and equitable.
Moreover, the debate provided an opportunity for reflection on the Foundation’s activities concerning sustainability. Over the past years, the Foundation has supported various initiatives related to islands, tourism, and the Covid-19 pandemic, wherein the main focus areas of Coppieters – minority rights, stateless nations, and self-determination – intersect with environmental concerns.
“Implementing community outreach programs specifically tailored to linguistic minorities can facilitate better understanding and engagement with green policies” – Coppieters Foundation President Antonia Luciani.
At the sidelines of the debate, the President of the Coppieters Foundation was asked about the inclusion of linguistic minorities and specific strategies to ensure their access to green policies in an interview for the European Committee of the Regions’ Green Deal Liveblog.
❔How can policymakers ensure that green policies are communicated effectively to linguistic minorities who may speak languages other than the dominant language in a region or country?
Policymakers should prioritize producing materials in multiple languages, including those spoken by linguistic minorities. This ensures that information about green policies is accessible to a wider audience. Translation services should be utilized to accurately convey the message.
In general, proficiency in the co-official languages must be ensured at the end of compulsory education, and the linguistic rights of their speakers in access to public services must be guaranteed. Administrations should ensure that the media regularly use significant percentages of all official languages in their reporting.
Implementing community outreach programs specifically tailored to linguistic minorities can facilitate better understanding and engagement with green policies. These programs should involve local leaders, community organizations, and language experts to ensure cultural sensitivity and effective communication.
Policymakers must recognize and respect the cultural nuances and linguistic diversity within linguistic minority communities. Communication materials should be culturally sensitive and relevant to the target audience to increase their engagement and participation.
❔ What strategies can be implemented to address linguistic barriers and ensure equitable access to information about green policies for linguistic minorities, particularly in regions with diverse language communities?
To address linguistic barriers and ensure equitable access to information about green policies for linguistic minorities, particularly in regions with diverse language communities, several strategies can be implemented, such as:
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The Coppieters Foundation is financially supported by the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not liable for the content of the event nor the opinions of the speakers.
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