I. Introduction = 5
II. Opening addresses = 6
III. Reports
The political importance of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages = 14
A presentation of the framework convention for the protection of national minorities and its contribution to the protection of Minority Languages = 21
The position of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in the general context of the protection of minorities = 25
The experience of the Netherlands in implementing the Charter = 30
The experience of Finland in implementing the Charter = 38
Prospects for ratification of the Charter by France = 45
Prospects for ratification of the Charter by the U.K. = 50
The adaptability of the Charter to national situations = 59
What opportunities will the Charter provide for local and regional authorities in regard to regional or Minority Languages? = 63
The committee of experts for the Charter = 73
The view of the authors of the Charter = 76
IV. Conclusions = 78
V. Programme of the conference = 82
VI. List of participants = 85
II. Opening addresses = 6
III. Reports
The political importance of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages = 14
A presentation of the framework convention for the protection of national minorities and its contribution to the protection of Minority Languages = 21
The position of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in the general context of the protection of minorities = 25
The experience of the Netherlands in implementing the Charter = 30
The experience of Finland in implementing the Charter = 38
Prospects for ratification of the Charter by France = 45
Prospects for ratification of the Charter by the U.K. = 50
The adaptability of the Charter to national situations = 59
What opportunities will the Charter provide for local and regional authorities in regard to regional or Minority Languages? = 63
The committee of experts for the Charter = 73
The view of the authors of the Charter = 76
IV. Conclusions = 78
V. Programme of the conference = 82
VI. List of participants = 85