Conference at Stockholm University highlights Europe’s minority languages
How are Europe’s minority languages protected, and what role does language policy play in democracy and human rights? These questions are at the centre of a conference at Stockholm University on 8 May, where researchers and experts from several European countries will gather.
The conference marks 25 years since Sweden joined the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The charter aims to strengthen the protection of national minority languages and promote linguistic diversity across Europe.
“Fundamentally, this is about democracy, human rights and compliance with both international and national law,” says Jarmo Lainio, Professor Emeritus at Stockholm University, Department of Slavic and Baltic Studies, Finnish, Dutch and German, and a member of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Minorities.
The programme will address both progress and remaining challenges for minority languages in Sweden and across Europe. According to Jarmo Lainio, developments have been positive in several areas since the charter was introduced.
Jarmo Lainio, Professor Emeritus at Stockholm University.
“Organisations working in this field have become more professional, and linguistic diversity is more widely accepted. One example is that Sámi is now recognised as five distinct languages in Sweden,” he says.
At the same time, significant challenges remain. Issues persist in education, the media, and in the ability to use minority languages in dealings with public authorities and the courts.
“The implementation of the charter and related regulations has not been fully effective. This also applies to care services and elderly care,” says Jarmo Lainio.
He notes that Sweden lags behind several other European countries in teaching minority languages, particularly in preschool, compulsory school and upper secondary school. The conference is organised by Stockholm University in partnership with the Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity (NPLD). It aims to strengthen links between research, language policy and language activism.
“We hope to increase knowledge about linguistic diversity in Europe,” says Jarmo Lainio.
Facts: Europe’s minority languages in focus
The conference “25 years of the European Charter in Sweden: Achievements, gaps and future directions in Sweden and beyond” will take place on 8 May at Stockholm University. Participants from several European countries will discuss the status and future of minority languages in Europe.
Last updated: 2026-05-07
Source: Communications Office