Will English become the official language of communication for maritime transport, as is already the case in air transport? This controversial idea, which crops up frequently, was discussed on 27 January by the European Parliament Transport Committee in a debate on simplifying reporting formalities for ships arriving in and departing from EU ports. A draft directive is undergoing adoption ⁽¹⁾ and rapporteur Dirk Sterckx (Belgium) would like to use this opportunity to make English the common language in the EU for data transmission by ships to member state port authorities. The use of different languages leads to delays (translation) and «regrettable misunderstandings» he explains in his draft report, an amendment to which would make English the only language used, even for intra-national traffic, from 2013.

The discussions in the Transport Committee showed that members are not opposed, although some - Luis de Grandes Pascual (EPP, Spain), Jean-Paul Besset (Greens/EFA, France) and Jacqueline Foster (ECR, UK) - argued for flexibility, at least for internal traffic. In Council, on the other hand, the idea is not likely to meet with easy approval. The general approach that emerged from last December’s Transport Council contains no reference to this issue. Some countries – led by France – are already concerned about Parliament’s position. «Constitutionally, French is the official language of the Republic and in particular the language of trade on its territory,» notes an internal document. It goes on to describe the rapporteur’s position as simply «unacceptable». The only French national who took the floor during the Transport Committee’s debate, Jean-Paul Besset, said he backs the idea of a common language but proposed to phase in the measure: «English is not a customary language in small ports and inland ports,» he explained.

«NOT HUGE» INVESTMENTS

The question of dates will come up again during discussions between the Council and Parliament in any case. The European Commission proposes that the future directive apply from 2013 but the Council disagrees and proposes 2017 (some prefer an even later date). The EP rapporteur sides with the Commission. The investments needed in ports are «not huge», he told the committee: for electronic data transmission – the directive’s main point - «an internet connection and a computer». The states, which will have to adapt their information systems, do not take the same view.

Some countries – led by France – are already concerned about Parliament’s position
⁽¹⁾ Com(2009)0005