Network for European minority

Network for European minority languages backs Property Act campaign

The European Language Equality Network (ELEN) has voted unanimously in favour of a resolution in support of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Property Act proposals to tackle the housing crisis in Wales and ensure the future of Welsh-speaking communities today (Saturday, 9 November).

ELEN is an international lobbying organisation that works closely with the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe and other organisations to ensure fairness for minority and regional languages across Europe. Its annual General Assembly is being held in Bilbao, Basque Country this weekend.

Earlier in the day, Jeff Smith and Owain Meirion from Cymdeithas yr Iaith, as well as Emma Jenkin from Kowethas An Yeth Kernewek, Cornwall and Neus Sanchez Lendinez from Obra Cultural Balear from the Balearic Islands took part in a panel discussion on the impact of second homes and tourism on minority language communities.

Responding to the success of the proposal, Dr Jeff Smith, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Communities Group:

"We are very pleased to receive ELEN's support for our campaign and our policy proposals in this area. We heard in the assembly about similar situations from across Europe and there was a consensus that a housing system that is left to the open market has failed to ensure the future of our minority languages and communities.

"Considering the housing crisis facing our communities and the disastrous effect on minority languages, it is very timely that this forms part of ELEN's work. It is important that we work together and share experiences in order to secure the future of our communities by better regulating the housing market and establishing a legal right to adequate housing."