Esquerra submits the critical situation the network of Catalan-language schools in North Catalonia before the Council of Europe

Esquerra Republicana has addressed a letter to the Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages ​​of the Council of Europe to warn them of the critical economic situation faced by La Bressola, a network of Catalan-language schools in North Catalonia. If there is no immediate intervention, the schools will be forced to increase the schoolchildren’s fees considerably, and even having to close some centres within weeks.

Before addressing the Committee, Esquerra Republicana circulated the letter to various international bodies, including the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, and the Council of Europe with the aim of gathering support. Of these, the president of the European Parliament Intergroup on Minorities, Loránt Vincze stands out.

Before addressing the Committee, Esquerra Republicana circulated the letter to various international bodies, including the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, and the Council of Europe with the aim of gathering support. Of these, the president of the European Parliament Intergroup on Minorities, Loránt Vincze stands out.

Faced with this grave situation, Esquerra Republicana spokesperson at the European Parliament and Deputy Party Leader Diana Riba believes that “international pressure must be brought to bear to save La Bressola, to save Catalan education in North Catalonia and to denounce the lack of support from the French administrations.”

In the letter to the Committee of Experts, the body is urged to intercede with the French authorities in order to guarantee compliance with its commitments regarding regional language protection; it calls for the French government and the regional administrations to provide adequate and immediate financial support for La Bressola; and it requests that this question be included in the forthcoming recommendations of the Committee of Experts.

The letter also recalls that the Council of Europe already urged the French authorities in 2013 to implement the provisions of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages ​​in collaboration with local and regional authorities.