Young Europeans' language skills under scrutiny[fr][de] 

The Commission adopted, on 13 April 2007, a Communication  presenting a framework for a survey that will test foreign-language competences among EU citizens aged 14-16 years. 

The EU executive is asking for speedy Council approval for its plans. Pilot tests are set to be carried out in Spring 2008, for the first survey to be conducted in early 2009.

The first languages to be tested will be English, French, German, Spanish and Italian - the most widely taught EU languages - and the skills measured will include reading, listening and writing. Later on, the Commission plans to develop instruments to cover the fourth skill, speaking.

"The purpose of this language indicator is not to rank individual countries," said Education Commissioner Ján Figel'. Instead, the survey is expected to help identify efficient practices and assist policymakers, teachers and learners.