https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/difficult-process-learning-speak-language-power_en (Servicio Europeo de Acción Exterior)

In a 29 November 2024 blog post, former EU High Representative Josep Borrell reflects on his five-year mandate and argues that the European Union must learn to “speak the language of power” if it is to defend its interests effectively in a more dangerous and multipolar world. He notes that while the EU has strong institutions and normative power, it too often lags in agility, coherence and strategic action. (Servicio Europeo de Acción Exterior)
Though the article is about geopolitics and power, it touches on language in a metaphorical but meaningful way—and links to our interest in multilingualism in several ways:

• The notion of “speaking the language of power” reminds us that language is not only a matter of communication, but also of agency, representation and influence. Multilingualism matters because if you cannot “speak the language” of institutions, you may be excluded from decision-making, from representation, or from the ability to shape policy.
• In the context of EU multilingualism, this implies that having many languages (and the capacity to use them) is not merely symbolic: it is part of the infrastructure of power, legitimacy and participation. Member states and citizens whose languages and voices are less present may find themselves outside the circles of influence.
• For professional fields (translation, localisation, language policy, multilingual education): if the EU is to strengthen its voice globally, the language-skills ecosystem inside the EU (including translation/interpreting, multilingual education, language technology) must be robust. Multilingual professionals become part of the “language of power” the EU needs.
• The article also indirectly raises questions about resource allocation, institutional structures, and how multilingual practices are embedded in governance. If the EU wants to act with power, the behind-the-scenes language infrastructure (translation, interpretation, multilingual staff, digital multilingual systems) must align with that ambition.
• Finally, from a policy-perspective: there is a gap between rhetoric (“Europe should speak with one strategic voice”) and practice (“member states still operate in 24+ languages, institutional delays, translation burdens”). Bridging that gap requires foresight, investment and professionalisation—precisely the domains our modules explore.

1. What do you interpret by “speaking the language of power” in the context of European institutions? Is it literal (languages, translation) or metaphorical (strategic discourse, influence)?
2. In what ways does multilingualism enhance or hinder an institution’s power and agility? Could fewer languages be more efficient? Or is multilingualism itself a strategic asset?
3. If you were designing a professional-training module for multilingual staff in the EU (translation/localisation/education), what skills would you prioritise to ensure that Europe can “speak the language of power”?

Would love to hear your take!