The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) is a Council of Europe institution based in Graz, Austria. In cooperation with the Language Policy Division of the Council the Centre functions as a catalyst for reform in the teaching and learning of languages. It assists its stakeholders in member states in bringing language education policies and practices together.
Understanding one another is a prerequisite for living together harmoniously. So to achieve the dream of a continent without dividing lines, Europe needs citizens who can all communicate in some of the many languages spoken within its borders.
To assist in this challenge, the Council of Europe has created the European Centre for Modern Languages - a unique institution whose mission is to encourage excellence and innovation in language teaching and to help Europeans learn languages more efficiently.
The ECML’s Strategic Objectives are to help its member states implement effective language teaching policies by :
- focusing on the practice of the learning and teaching of languages
- promoting dialogue and exchange among those active in the field
- multipliers
- supporting programme-related networks and research projects.
In order to implement its strategic objectives, the European Centre for Modern Languages, organises a programme of international projects on language education (see ECML activities).
