14. Action on European Stage

Over recent years we have corresponded with Irish MEPs and provided them with full information on the progress of Esperanto.

We have also corresponded with the European Copmmission.

Thirteen of the fifteen Irish MEPs supported Esperanto to a greater or lesser degree.

Here are the views of several of them:

AHERN Nuala, V/ALE
“I know that many of us Greens are enthusiastic about Esperanto and I do ask them to provide me with comments and proposals on Esperanto which I could present to the European Parliament.”

ANDREWS Niall, UEN
“One should explore the concept of advancing the use of Esperanto in the European Union.  If you think I would be able to do anything as an MEP, do not hesitate to contact me.”

BANOTTI Mary, PPE
“I have been present at several meetings of Esperantists and shall continue to attend.”

COLLINS Gerald, UEN
“…with regard to the possible use of Esperanto, I shall be pleased to consider it and help as possible.”

COX Pat, ELDR
“I shall certainly consider Esperanto and the points which you make.”

CROWLEY Brien, UEN
“As we look forward to the enlargement of the European Union, the costs of the translation service will be unsustainable.  However I believe that if the cultural diversity of the Union is to be conserved, although we shall have a larger Union, it will not be a deeper one and in the end we shall have a house built on sand.  Esperanto may present us with a chance of conquering some of the accompanying difficulties and I shall continue to explore the possible use of the language.  I shall certainly support in the European Parliament.”

CUSHNAHAN John, PPE
“I have received your comments on the use of Esperanto and I shall keep them in mind when the its use is under discussion in the Parliament.  I shall continue to support the use of Esperanto.”

FITZSIMONS Jim, UEN
“I assure you that as an MEP I shall support the development of languages, minority languages and Esperanto.  I agree with the aims of Esperanto and I have read with interest about its progress in recent years.  I shall ask whether Esperanto could be included in one of language projects of the Union.”

GALLAGHER Pat the cope, UEN
“The possible use of Esperanto is not a problem for me.  I would welcome its development as I would of course welcome the use of Irish as a working language in the Union.”

HYLAND Liam, UEN
“I have noted your comments on the use of Esperanto in the European Union and support it as much as possible.”

 McCARTIN Joe, PPE
“I greatly admire the efforts of the various Esperanto associations across the Union and your aim of better communications between peoples.  I have already tabled a written question on the matter.”

McKENNA Patricia, V/ALE
“You should know that I shall follow the policy of introducing Esperanto into the European parliament.”

 

Chapter 15: Events 2003 – 2012

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