The embassies of Germany, France, Austria, Spain, and Switzerland in Prague welcome the proposal by Education Minister Mikuláš Bek to retain the second compulsory foreign language at Czech primary schools. This decision promotes multilingualism and strengthens European integration.
In a joint statement, the embassies emphasized that this decision aligns with EU language policy, which aims to ensure that all EU citizens speak at least two foreign languages, including one from an EU member state. “Multilingualism is a cornerstone of successful cooperation within the EU and of further European integration,” the statement said.
Education Minister Bek announced on the social network X that he will advocate for the retention of English from Year 1 and a second foreign language from Year 6. In the future, schools should also offer at least one of the following languages: German, French, or Spanish.
The representatives of the embassies also emphasized the importance of foreign language skills for the export-oriented Czech economy. Many European companies in the Czech Republic depend on employees who can speak several languages, both for internal and external communication. “Our embassies in Prague could not function without employees who speak several languages thanks to the excellent Czech education system,” the embassies said in their statement. It was emphasized that both employees and Czech companies benefit from advanced language skills, especially in the countries in which they operate.
Another important aspect is cross-border cooperation. Tens of thousands of commuters demonstrate that language skills acquired in the Czech Republic are valued and sought after in neighboring countries. Furthermore, a rich cultural and youth exchange is not possible without a mutual understanding of the language, culture, history, and society of the other country.
The embassies emphasized the close political, economic, and social relations with the Czech Republic, which are based on trust and mutual understanding. “An understanding that is not only based on a deep cultural bond but also on a literal, linguistic understanding between thousands and thousands of people,” they explained. The decision to maintain a second compulsory foreign language creates the basis for these relationships to flourish and develop further.
