WREXHAM’S AM Lesley Griffiths has welcomed news the Welsh language will soon be used by one of the top decision-making bodies in Europe.

She was commenting about a European Union Council of Ministers decision that in future, ministers will be able to speak in Welsh when representing the UK at the Council of Ministers and have their words translated simultaneously. Citizens will also be able to write in Welsh to office holders at the council.

The decision by the council was arrived at via co-operation between the council, the UK Government and the Welsh Assembly Government.

The arrangement will become operative after a panel of Welsh interpreters have been assessed as meeting the international proficiency level demanded by the EU institutions. The decision will now open the way for other negotiations to take place with other EU institutions to allow for a use of Welsh in the conduct of their business.

Ms Griffiths AM said: “This is a huge boost for the Welsh language and full credit should go to the European Council of Ministers for embracing our language when it conducts its business.

“I sincerely hope this landmark decision will now open the door for other EU institutions to follow suit.”