European Centre for Modern Languages

What is the European Centre for Modern Languages?

The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) is an institution of the Council of Europe based in Graz, Austria. Its mission is to encourage excellence and innovation in language teaching and to help Europeans learn languages more effectively.

How Can the ECML Benefit Me?

The ECML is committed to exploring and promoting new methods in language teaching and learning. It acts as a catalyst for reform in the teaching and learning of languages by:

• focusing on the practice of the learning and teaching of languages
• promoting dialogue and exchange among those active in the field
• training multipliers (people who share and promote ECML practices at local level)
• supporting programme-related networks and research projects.

In cooperation with leading European specialists in the field, the ECML initiates and coordinates four-year programmes that provide the framework for innovative projects and activities. These projects are embedded in ongoing policy developments and have addressed key challenges in language learning.

Previous programmes examined:

• Languages for social cohesion (2004-2007)
• Empowering language professionals (2008-2011)
• Learning through languages (2012-2015)
• Languages at the heart of learning (2016-2019)
• Inspiring innovation in language education: changing contexts, evolving competences (2020-2023)

The current theme is Language education at the heart of democracy (2024-2027).

ECML projects are practitioner-led, so they can address and respond to the real needs of a Europe which values language learning. The geographic diversity of participants brings fresh perspectives to meeting challenges in language teaching and learning.

I’m Interested! What Now?

If you work in the field of languages, then there is an opportunity for you to get involved with the ECML.

Language Education: Before each four-year cycle begins, the ECML issues a call for proposals from experienced professionals in language education for projects in their area of expertise.

Workshops: Other language professionals can get involved in selected projects by participating in workshops and sharing the results with others in their field. Ireland can nominate one participant per workshop. The ECML covers part of the costs (i.e. fees and travel) for participants at language workshops.

For updates on upcoming events please subscribe to the Léargas mailing list  here.

Upcoming Workshops

Developing competences for democratic culture for young learners through language education

24-25 November 2026 | Graz, Austria

The ECML is pleased to announce that it will hold the workshop “Developing competences for democratic culture for young learners through language education” (DECODE) within the framework of ‘Language education at the heart of democracy’.

This workshop introduces the concept of Competences for Democratic Culture (CDC), as articulated in the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture (RFCDC) (Council of Europe, 2018), and explores its relevance for language education at the primary level.

During the workshop, the teaching materials on Competences for Democratic Culture in language education will be shared and discussed with the workshop participants. It will also include a presentation of the piloting results from nine ECML member states.

The expected outputs are improved teaching materials that can be adapted to the participants’ teaching context, as well as ideas for new CDC-based materials in language education.

Participants from Ireland will have their travel expenses paid by the ECML and will receive a lump sum allowance of €160 per activity day towards accommodation, subsistence expenses and local transport.

Please read the full description, fill in the nomination form and return it to languages@leargas.ie by 4 August 2026.