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European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe

The ECML is a unique institution whose mission is to encourage excellence and innovation in language teaching and to help Europeans learn languages more efficiently. Our vision: A Europe committed to linguistic and cultural diversity... Find out more about the ECML

Programme 2020-2023
Inspiring innovation in language education: changing contexts, evolving competences

2020 marks the launch of the ECML’s 6th medium-term programme: “Inspiring innovation in language education: changing contexts, evolving competences.” This programme has been developed in direct response to identified language education priorities in ECML member states. Moreover, it is clearly situated within the context of wider Council of Europe priorities in education, in particular inclusive approaches to education and education for democratic citizenship, where the development of linguistic and intercultural competences plays a key role. The new programme 2020-2023 encompasses 9 projects and 12 Training and Consultancy activities.
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Upcoming events

24

Sep 2020 		Graz Language Festival
Celebrate with us the Graz Language Festival on 24 September 2020 from 9am to 6pm, on and around the Schloßbergplatz. This year, due to COVID-19-measures, registration for the workshops and for the cultural programs is essential.
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26

Sep 2020 		European Day of Languages 2020
See edl.ecml.at
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29 - 30

Sep 2020 		ECML – EU cooperation agreement 2019-2020
Supporting Multilingual Classrooms
National training workshop - ONLINE
Latvia
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European Day of Languages

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Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning

A Cooperation agreement between the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe and the DG Education and Culture of the European Commission. Find out more...

This action involves two initiatives:

Member states of the ECML

Austria: host country of the ECML

To support the work of the ECML, the host country has established the Austrian Association of the ECML, which operates as the interface between the Council of Europe and the Austrian authorities.

Visiting the ECML
We'd be happy to welcome you to the Centre! View details

ECML 25th Anniversary Conference 

Languages at the heart of learning:  25 years of inspiring innovation



View videos and photos from the conference



It is with immense sadness that we have learned of the death of Francis Goullier after a long illness. Francis was a pillar of language education at the Council of Europe and the perfect mediator between Strasbourg and Graz, enriching ECML projects with the breadth of his experience in language policy.

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Just published

ECML treasure chest of resources for learners, parents and teachers in times of Covid-19

Are you a parent struggling to find motivating activities to support your child’s language development at home? Or a language teacher adapting your pedagogy to online delivery? Perhaps you are a student, who would like to use this opportunity to have some fun while working on your language skills? If so, the new ECML treasure chest is for you.

Read more: English - French

ECML 25th Anniversary Declaration: "Quality language education for a democratic, socially cohesive and peaceful Europe: nine ECML cornerstones"

ECML member states, experts and wider stakeholders have recognised the occasion of the ECML’s 25th Anniversary as an opportunity to raise awareness of the political importance of quality language education and of its contribution to democratic, peaceful societies. They have agreed this Declaration which highlights the ECML’s key contribution to ensuring that inclusive, plurilingual and intercultural education becomes a reality in member states.

Read the full Declaration: English - French

Resource of the month

Inventory of ICT tools and open educational resources

Language education is an area where open-access resources, online courses, virtual classrooms and social networks are being increasingly used to give learners access to information, promote interaction and communication, and enhance digital literacy skills. Language professionals need to know not only how to use these tools but how to review them according to pedagogical criteria.

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New

A quality assurance matrix for CEFR use

The resource website promotes effective language learning by supporting teachers and other language education professionals in their use of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

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25th Anniversary publication

Changing contexts, evolving competences: 25 years of inspiring innovation in language education

This publication celebrates a momentous stage in the history of the European Centre for Modern Languages: its 25th anniversary. Its central aims are to review and showcase the achievements of the ECML, as reflected in its many projects and publications, and to put its achievements in the context of the broader work of the Council of Europe.

This publication offers a fascinating journey through the world of international language education over a quarter of a century, seen from the perspective of one of its main actors, the European Centre for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe.

Demographic, political and technological changes in society combined with globalisation have dramatically reshaped the educational landscape in Europe in the past 25 years. As a result, the language-related expectations and challenges within national education systems have significantly evolved.

The publication which focuses on the role and achievements of the ECML in this context, includes contributions from international experts working at the cutting edge of language education as well as testimonials from stakeholders responsible for supporting and implementing innovative approaches to language education around Europe.

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Featured tools

Professional Network Forum

The Professional Network Forum is formed of international associations and institutions that share common values and have overlapping expertise in the field of language education and assessment. Read more