Brussels, 26/09/2007 (Agence Europe) - Within the framework of European Languages Day (see yesterday's edition of EUROPE), on Wednesday 26 September, the high level group on multilingualism sent Commissioner Leonard Orban its final report on language use and learning. The report recommends launching information campaigns to raise awareness of language learning, especially among young people; including language learning in leisure and extra-curricular activities; and the use by businesses of the great cultural and linguistic wealth offered by immigrant populations. Alongside this, the Commission adopted a report on the implementation of the 2004-2006 action plan entitled “Promoting language learning and linguistic diversity”. The main conclusion is that there has been a noticeable improvement in language teaching in member states, especially for younger age groups. There is, however, one challenge that has to be met: improving the linguistic competence of adults and older people who are no longer in education or training. Additionally, there are not enough language teachers and they are not mobile enough. “More young Europeans learn foreign languages and much earlier than their parents,” said Multilingualism Commissioner Leonard Orban, adding: “After three years, national language policies are more consistent: there is a general consensus on basic issues such as the importance of languages as a key competence in a lifelong learning perspective, and the need to teach students two foreign languages during their initial education. Some areas still need more work: extending language teaching to all educational paths, increasing the variety of languages taught, promoting language-friendly schools.” The reports are available at http: //ec.europa.eu/education/policies/lang/doc/multireport_en.pdf and http: //ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/publ/pdf/lingua/br2007_en.pdf The Commission has also begun an online consultation exercise on multilingualism at http: //ec.europa.eu/education/multiling/ There is a “Have your say” corner where those who wish can register their thoughts. (il)