The European Commission turns around on the guidelines of discord. The commissioner for equality, Helena Dalli, intervenes to announce the withdrawal and revision of the internal document that has ended up in the eye of the storm for suggestions on the language to be used at institutional and work meetings. “We are examining these concerns in order to address them in an updated version of the guidelines.”
The issue is inclusion, and the intention to use language that can avoid discrimination of any kind in an increasingly diverse society. But the document, which invites the choice of “neutral” expressions, contains examples recognized as excessive by those who contest the initiative and perhaps not very appropriate by the community executive itself. One of the objects of contention is to refrain from speaking openly about Christmas in order to use more generic expressions such as “holidays” or “winter holidays”.
The Commission has already had the opportunity to explain that there is no attempt to ban talking about Christmas, but the outcry has seen the presentation of a parliamentary question by the Forza Italia delegation to the Eurochamber. Dalli responds tightly. “Concerns have been expressed about some examples given in the guidelines on inclusive communication, which as is customary with these guidelines, are being developed.” No definitive document, therefore. In light of the criticisms, they will therefore be rewritten to overcome controversy, while respecting the initial objective: to take into account all the different souls that populate the European Union.
“My initiative was intended to illustrate the diversity of European culture and show the inclusive nature of the Commission towards all citizens”, without hurting anyone’s sensitivity, continues the Maltese Commissioner. In light of the reactions “the document does not meet these standards,” Dalli must admit. Hence the decision to “withdraw them for further work”.
Cheers Antonio Tajani, chairman of the European Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Commission, head of the Forza Italia delegation in Brussels and Strasbourg, and one of the signatories of the question addressed to the Commission. “Thanks to our action, the European Commission withdraws the guidelines on inclusive language which asked to remove references to holidays and Christian names. Long live Christmas, long live the Europe of common sense! ».
“It is not a document containing obligations, but rather recommendations”, is also preparing to declare the chief spokesman of the Commission, Eric Mamer. “This is not a document approved by the college of commissioners.” The von der Leyen team certainly does not come out of this story well. The need for the commissioner’s intervention creates a precedent, which puts new arrows in the bow of the conservative forces of the right. However, the Commission promises to move forward. “We have a very culturally rich society, and we intend to reflect all this.” Mamer adds. We will talk again about inclusive communication and multiculturalism.