Successes in the protection of minority language rights

Since the adoption of the Slovakian State Language Law (passed on 30 June 2009 and entered into force on 01 September 2009), several Hungarian EPP MEPs have constantly been drawing attention to the discriminatory situation in Slovakia.

The Slovak State Language Law contains severe restrictions in the use of minority languages that are clearly discriminative and against EU norms, Council of Europe and OSCE documents. The most important feature of the aggravated legal provisions is that the use of minority languages in public becomes punishable in many cases. According to the Hungarian EPP MEPs, it is unacceptable that citizens of an EU Member State could be punished and fined for simply using his/her own language.

During the debate over the issue, the European Commissioner for Multilingualism reconfirmed, that Member States should use all legal instruments available to them in order to guarantee the rights of the national minorities in accordance with their obligations and commitments under international law.

At the late night session, several MEPs have strongly criticised the provisions of the law. Fidesz MEPs also emphasised: “The debate on the Slovakian language law is not a bilateral conflict, rather a struggle of a national minority being pursued for its fundamental rights.”

The Fidesz Delegation of the EPP Group also considers the visit of Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament to Bratislava as a clear manifestation of the importance of the issue. At his meetings, Mr Buzek asked the Slovakian Government to coordinate with the representatives of Hungarian minorities on the implementation of the language law.

The Hungarian EPP MEPs also welcome the fact that the entry into force of the Charter of Fundamental Rights as part of the Lisbon Treaty will broaden the framework of the protection of minority rights in the EU.