An unexpected and important ally emerges in the formalization of Catalan within the European Union. Spanish diplomatic sources indicate that French officials do not object, aligning with the will of the government led by Pedro Sánchez to pursue recognition of Catalan as an official EU language. This remains a key demand of Catalan independence supporters who expect investments from the socialist administration. French sources told EL PERIÓDICO of the Prensa Ibérica group and other Spanish media that the makeup of Spain’s new administration is not hostile to the government’s aims.
The main point, according to Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, is not speed but achievement of the goal. He hinted on TV3 that the process will take time, and barring any unforeseen events, a Brussels vote is unlikely before next year at the earliest.
Reluctance from Latvia, Finland and Sweden
What gives Spain leverage is that Germany and France have not rejected the plan, two major players in EU decision making. Early discussions suggested France might resist, especially given the variety of regional languages across Europe. Many countries have dozens of regional tongues such as Breton, Alsatian, Catalan, and Basque, yet only a few enjoy official status. In most cases these languages play a minor role in public life, education, and media.
Paris sees strategic stability in Catalonia and Spain as a guiding aim. For now, France does not block the push for Catalan official status, with Basque and Galician as possible subsequent steps. The path to formal recognition will be intricate and will involve negotiations with multiple member states. Smaller EU members, some with limited influence, have already signaled hesitation. Finland, Sweden, Latvia, and several eastern European nations express cautious positions. The Baltic state of Latvia faces a particular challenge due to a sizable Rusophone minority and policies viewed as hostile to language rights, which may complicate broad support for Spain’s request.
A Frenchman can claim different languages
In the French context, the issue of regional languages receives limited attention in media and politics. France has a minimalist response to Catalan official status, which gives Emmanuel Macron’s government room to maneuver. Macron has publicly expressed a desire for languages to be respected. In a recent speech at the opening of a state museum in Villers-Cotterêts in northern France, he affirmed that every citizen has the right to know, speak, and preserve their language. He noted that while he does not intend to officially recognize additional regional minority languages, he does not oppose them in principle.
Observers in Brussels and Madrid note that France’s stance matters because official recognition in one country can influence others. The dialogue remains nuanced, with diplomatic channels emphasizing stability and cultural pluralism while balancing national sovereignty. The path ahead will require careful coordination among EU institutions and member states before any formal recognition is realized. This evolving scenario in Europe may resonate with similar debates across North America, where language policy and regional identity continue to shape national dialogues.