Key facts
- France insists that trade deals with Indonesia and India must be translated into all 23 official EU languages before approval.
- The European Commission proposed an "English-first" approach to expedite trade deal approvals.
- France argues that approving an English-only version would violate the EU's principle of multilingualism.
- Indonesia risks losing preferential tariff access under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences if a deal is not reached soon.
- A trade deal with India is expected to be presented to EU capitals soon, with a potential signing ceremony in mid-December.
France is creating a potential roadblock for the European Commission's efforts to expedite trade agreements with Indonesia and India, demanding that all official EU languages be used in the final texts. The Commission had proposed an "English-first" strategy to significantly shorten the approval timeline, which currently involves translation into all 23 official languages.
A French official stated that the country wants to ensure equal treatment for all EU languages, including French, and cited constitutional obligations that prevent committing to a document drafted in a language other than French. This stance is particularly sensitive for Paris, which has historically championed the French language in diplomacy and faces a rising tide of Euroskeptic and protectionist sentiment ahead of presidential elections.
The dispute over language touches on core issues of trade, national prestige, and democratic principles, according to François Chimits, head of the Europe Program at the Paris-based Institut Montaigne. While Italy initially shared France's concerns, it has since withdrawn its opposition.
The urgency is heightened for the Indonesia deal, as the country risks losing preferential tariff access under the EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences at the start of next year if an agreement isn't finalized. The trade deal with India is also nearing presentation to EU capitals, with a potential signing ceremony anticipated in mid-December during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brussels.