A RIGHT OF THE CITIZENS, A DUTY OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION
European citizens have the right to receive information and documentation
in their own language from Community Institutions, and in particular
from the European Commission.
The principle of equal dignity of all the official
languages of European Union Member States represents an essential
element in the integration process. It must be rigorously applied
to priority interest documents for citizens and consumers of the
Member States, such as, in particular, those concerning personnel
recruitment, competition announcements, and other communications
of interest to citizens, as well as, more in general, all information
available on Community institution websites.
In conformity to the instructions of the Italian
Government, the Italian Permanent Representation to the European
Union in Brussels is entrusted with supervising the respect of
this principle of equality and with promoting the use of the Italian
language in European Institutions, resisting any attempts to institute
reduced linguistic regimes, which would be discriminatory towards
the Italian language.
Italian citizens who encounter difficulties in
obtaining information or documentation in their own language can
apply to the appropriate Offices of Community Institutions. As
far as the European Commission is concerned, any unavailability
of texts in Italian should be reported to the Translation Directorate
General of the Commission.
The translation towards one’s own language is a right,
foreseen by the Treaty instituting the European Community, and
is a service that Member States and their citizens expect, among
other things, as compensation for Community budget taxes.
