‘No island is an island – European perspectives on language learning in Britain‘ at London Olympia, on the 18 October 2013 from 10.15 to 16.00.

This event will mark the first day of the London Language Show, 18 to 20 October, an exhibition attracting over 10,000 passionate language learners, teachers, translators and jobseekers each year. It has been organised by the European Commission’s Departments for Education and Culture and for Interpretation under the auspices of Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth and including a keynote speech from Elizabeth Truss MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Childcare.

The conference will address the following from an EU and UK perspective:

• An examination of the foreign-language deficit’s effect on international trade and ability to compete within the EU labour market.
• Discussion of the explicit benefits for increased language learning, both for employability and social integration in the UK.
• Analysis of successful policy implementation in other EU states and discussion on how they could be adapted in a UK context.
• Current UK activism, projects and proposed changes to boost language learning in the UK.

Commissioner Vassiliou said ‘I hope the UK will continue in its efforts to reverse the trends in language learning at A Level and University. Multilingualism brings significant social and economic benefits. Students with language skills are more versatile and employable and will ensure Europe’s businesses can compete world-wide.’

In attendance will be UK politicians, UK and EU civil servants, representatives from large private sector recruiters, small business owners, head teachers, education specialists, and university and school students.

Please follow this link and register as soon as possible.