Recommendation RecChL(2001)1 on the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages by the Netherlands

The Committee of Ministers,

In accordance with Article 16 of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;

Bearing in mind the instrument of acceptance submitted by the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 2 May 1996;

Having taken note of the evaluation made by the Committee of Experts of the Charter with respect to the application of the Charter by the Kingdom of the Netherlands;

Having taken note of the comments submitted by the Dutch authorities on the content of the report of the Committee of Experts;

Bearing in mind that this evaluation is based on information submitted by the Netherlands in its initial periodical report, supplementary information given by the Dutch authorities, information submitted by bodies and associations legally established in this country and information obtained by the Committee of Experts during its on-the-spot visit,

Recommends that the Netherlands take account of all the observations of the Committee of Experts and, as a matter of priority:

1. take the necessary steps to ensure that a substantial part of pre-school and primary education is available in Frisian. In order to achieve the objectives fixed by the authorities in respect of Frisian, the quality and the continuity of the teaching of Frisian throughout the education process, and in particular in secondary education, should be improved. Further efforts should be made to ensure and improve the necessary basic and further teacher training;

2. ensure the practical implementation of the existing legal provisions as regards the use of Frisian in relation to the judicial and administrative authorities;

3. take into account the special needs of broadcasting in Frisian and consider increasing its financial support;

4. develop a general national language policy for those languages covered only by Part II of the Charter, based on the objectives and principles outlined therein.