The Interparliamentary Committee (IPC) of the Dutch Language Union is meeting on June 16 in the Senate. The agenda includes a thematic session on Dutch Studies worldwide. The IPC Language Union is chaired by senator Paulien Geerdink (VVD).
Geerdink emphasizes the great importance of the IPC Language Union. ‘I am pleased with the relatively high turnout of Dutch and Flemish parliamentarians today in The Hague. Good discussions are taking place about the importance of the Dutch language abroad. We are also pleased that caretaker minister Bruins of Education, Culture and Science addressed the attendees this morning.’
Bruins spoke about the importance of training for Dutch language teachers and the allocation of 1 million euros per year for Dutch Studies. This last point arises from an amendment passed by the House of Representatives.
In the morning, the IPCs policy plan was discussed, and there was a review of the meeting of the Committee of Ministers. The afternoon session focuses on Dutch Studies worldwide. Various speakers from the Netherlands and Flanders will take the floor, including Anne Sluijs, director of the International Association for Dutch Studies.
About the IPC Language Union
The Dutch Language Union is a policy organization in which the Netherlands, Flanders, and since 2004 also Suriname, cooperate in the field of the Dutch language. The Language Union focuses its activities on the Dutch language as such, education in and of Dutch within and outside the language area, Dutch literature, and reading.
The IPC of the Dutch Language Union is the parliamentary oversight body of the Language Union and can hold the Committee of Ministers accountable for the functioning of the Language Union. The IPC consists of 22 members. The Flemish Parliament elects one half, the States General the other half.