French blockade looms over Commission’s plan to fast-track trade deals in English
French Blockade Threatens Commission’s English-Language Trade Deal Push
France is set to challenge the European Commission’s proposal to streamline trade agreement approvals by using English as the primary language during discussions with EU governments and lawmakers. This strategy would bypass the requirement to translate documents into the bloc’s 24 official languages, as reported by multiple sources. The move aims to expedite the ratification process, which has been slow for the EU–Mercosur trade pact, frustrating officials who seek to secure new markets amid growing global uncertainties.
Translating treaties into all 24 EU languages often takes months, due to the rigorous legal reviews needed before formal adoption. The Commission has acknowledged this delay, with trade chief Maroš Šefčovič suggesting the India trade deal, finalized on January 27, could act as a pilot for English-only negotiations. During a February meeting with EU trade ministers, Šefčovič emphasized the financial toll of the prolonged Mercosur process, noting the bloc missed nearly €300 billion in GDP growth and over €200 billion in export potential since 2021. He warned that post-negotiation delays could stretch up to 2.5 years before businesses gain access to partner nations.
France’s Language Stand
French officials have made it clear they will resist the shift to English-only agreements. “We uphold the use of all EU languages, particularly French, which is one of the bloc’s working tongues,” stated an anonymous source. The proposal has drawn criticism for its potential to undermine linguistic diversity, a cornerstone of EU institutions. Despite English dominating daily operations, French, German, and English are officially recognized as working languages, yet the Commission’s push has sparked concerns about a hierarchy favoring English.
“Switching entirely to English raises a legal and democratic issue, and the Commission is well aware of it,” said an EU diplomat.
The European Commission’s website highlights its commitment to multilingualism, including a former commissioner focused on language policy. However, this role has since been absorbed by other departments, reducing the emphasis on linguistic diversity in recent years. Michele Gazzola, a language policy expert, criticized the move, stating, “I have the impression that in some cases the Commission seizes the opportunity to push the idea that English has a superior status, and that the other official languages are translation languages that can come later.”
Gazzola added that relying solely on English during ratification could hinder transparency and clarity, especially for the European Parliament and national legislatures. The French stance reflects a broader debate over language equity within the EU, where English’s increasing prevalence has raised questions about the future of regional languages in institutional processes.
