European Elites: Official Languages in the EU

Abstract

Although the concept of ‘nation state’ is increasingly challenged at the beginning of the twenty-first century, there is no doubt that it will legitimate and demarcate significant cultural and social differences for the present (Hannerz 1996). Indeed the link between official language and nation state is effectively endorsed by EU institutions. When a nation state joins the Union, its official language is (with few exceptions) given the status of official, working language of the EU. Theoretically at least, national languages of member states have equal and significant status within the EU although reality does not always match the rhetoric and a small number of official languages have gained primary working status.