1999 European Commission Raises the Question of Use of Macedonian

AN OFFICIAL REQUEST REGARDING THE USE OF
THE MACEDONIAN LANGUAGE HAS BEEN RAISED
BEFORE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

February, 8 1999

RAINBOW was recently in contact with European Union Parliamentarians as well as with representatives of other European institutions. As a result of this cooperation a member of the European Parliament, Madame Nelly Maes of Belgium, [presented an application] before the Commission on January 21, 1999.

The application was in accordance with parliamentary procedure and was in regard to the use of the Macedonian language in Greece. This is the first time since Greece became a member of the European Union that a request relating to the use of the Macedonian language in Greece has been raised at such a high level. A formal response is expected from the Commission.

Translation of the question raised before the Council

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
APPLICATION FOR RAISING A PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION

To: The Council of Ministers

Author: Nelly Maes

Subject: Request of the Slav-Macedonian Minority in Greece

Is it possible for the Council of Ministers to agree with the following requests of the Slav-Macedonian minority in Greece? If it does agree, then what will it undertake to ensure that the Greek government will satisfy these legitimate requests? If the Council does not agree then what are the objections?

1. Recognition of the Macedonian language as an official minority language in Greece.

2. Implementation of the Macedonian literary language in the educational system of Greece, specifically in elementary and secondary education, and parallel with it the opening of Macedonian language cathedra for university education.

3. Establishing the Macedonian language in the government controlled mass media including radio and television programs that would be broadcast in those regions of Greece where the Macedonian language is spoken.

Signed by Parliamentarian Nelly Maes
on January 21, 1999