“By exerting pressure, we shall bring about change.”

On Tuesday, 23 May 2023, MEP Irena Joveva joined the round table on The role and position of national languages in Europe hosted by the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana. The participants discussed both the legal and political aspects of the (non-)use of languages in the EU internal market and in the context of international minority protection law. In her contribution, the MEP focused on the importance of consistently applying political pressure on multinationals offering products on the EU market to respect the use of the Slovenian language, as this is the only way to bring about the necessary change.

Joveva pointed out what she considers to be the key obstacles causing language discrimination in the digital world:

”The main obstacle is the disregard on the part of multinationals. They claim that they don’t have to do it, because it does not “pay off”. Given that their profits are enormous, such a stance is undignified, it is not mere disregard, it is arrogance.”

The MEP also referred to deficient legislation, since it is not linked to explicit rules and measures, adding that multinationals thrive on publicity:

”They want to be seen in a positive light. If there is pressure, especially at the political level, both national and European, it can taint their image, so that is our opportunity. Only by exerting constant, public and consistent pressure and by stressing the obligation to respect the use of the Slovenian language can the necessary changes be achieved. And there is no fear that the companies in question will leave the country or a particular market once the legislation is revised.”

As regards EU legislation, Joveva remarked that it is key to update the existing Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which in other aspects strictly regulates the audiovisual media sector. Most Member States have already transposed this directive into their national legislative frameworks, but certain shortcomings have emerged here as well.

”We would need a very clear, unambiguous wording, prohibiting discrimination against linguistic diversity. That is the most optimal solution. But procedurally, the matter can certainly be regulated more quickly at a national level, which is why is the most urgent step at this point is the reform of the national legislation on the public use of the Slovenian language, which is being prepared.”

In conclusion, Joveva was clear that if legal updates and clear measures are adopted, this will really leave no room for excuses from multinationals.

Joining MEP Joveva in the round table were Lenart J. Kučić, Media Adviser to the Minister of Culture, Damjan Kukovec, Judge of the General Court of the EU, Kozma Ahačič, Head of the Fran Ramovš Institute of the Slovenian Language, Vasilka Sancin, Full Professor and Head of the Department of International Law, and Rudolf Vouk, lawyer.