José Manuel Albares Pushes for Official EU Status of Regional Languages

José Manuel Albares, Spain's Foreign Minister, publicly reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the recognition of Catalan, Basque, and Galician as official languages of the European Union. Speaking during a political session on September 3, 2025, Albares expressed strong confidence that these regional languages would eventually achieve this status. He stated emphatically, "Without a doubt, Catalan, Euskera (Basque), and Galician will someday be official EU languages."

This declaration aligns with ongoing discussions about language rights within the EU framework and emphasizes the cultural diversity of Spain. Albares's advocacy is seen as part of a broader initiative to amplify the voices of Spain's various linguistic communities on the European stage. He highlighted the need for recognition that reflects the reality of multilingualism in Europe, suggesting that inclusion of these languages in EU legislation would enhance the continent’s cultural richness.

The move could have significant political implications as it seeks to foster greater integration and respect for regional languages in official communications across the EU. Observers note that this initiative not only promotes linguistic equity but could also strengthen the relationships between Spain and its regional governments, particularly in Catalunya, the Basque Country, and Galicia.

As discussions continue within EU institutions, the next steps regarding this push for official recognition remain to be seen, but Albares's statements mark a significant step in advocating for the rights and identities of these regional communities.