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Immigration and language learning in Europe
In recent years many EU countries have seen a significant increase in immigration, with major implications for their school systems.
The Commission's green paper on migration and EU education systems 
(2008) and a consultation report [143 KB] and stakeholder conference [60 KB] (2009) confirm the common challenges facing EU countries and the importance of European cooperation in the field. The policy guidelines on the education of children with a migrant background - adopted on 26 November 2009 by the EU education ministers, and officially referred to as “Council conclusions" - identify policies for teaching the host country language to non-native speakers and various ways of supporting migrants in preserving mother tongues. They also recommend regular training for teachers and school leaders on intercultural competences and skills.
(2008) and a consultation report [143 KB] and stakeholder conference [60 KB] (2009) confirm the common challenges facing EU countries and the importance of European cooperation in the field. The policy guidelines on the education of children with a migrant background - adopted on 26 November 2009 by the EU education ministers, and officially referred to as “Council conclusions" - identify policies for teaching the host country language to non-native speakers and various ways of supporting migrants in preserving mother tongues. They also recommend regular training for teachers and school leaders on intercultural competences and skills.
