Law and Language in the European Union

Abstract

In this paper I would like to elaborate on the interaction between law and language. The use of the different (legal) languages of the European Union Member States is one of the most practical and most difficult problems in the process of European integration. In February 2003 the Commission launched an Action Plan on European Contract Law. On of the official aims will be the preparation of a common frame of reference, providing a pan-European terminology and rules. Still not solved is the question, if this common frame of reference will be accessible in all Member State languages or only in some selected languages. This article will reflect the need of a better and more coherent legal language use on a European Union level and describe the linguistic instruments offered by national States and the European Union itself.

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