A linguistic policy with no interference from outside and an adequate status are the two axis through which pro-Basque organizations consider that the "complete recovery" of the language could happen. These are the main conclusions of the "Declaration of minimum demands for the Basque language", a text that is being now disseminated by Kontseilua (an umbrella organization made up of 45 organizations working in favour of Basque).

The text, adopted by Kontseilua's General Assembly in a meeting in February, regrets that Basque continues to be relegated although "the situation has recently improved". Thus, according to Kontseilua, "the process of making Basque a minority language must end" through "a new playing field with new tactics and new basic assumptions".

A call for decision-making in the Basque Country

How to unlock such a process? Kontseilua considers that there are two main points: "pursuing a language policy without outside interference" and giving an "appropriate status" to the Basque language.

The umbrella organization recalls that "at the present time there are obstacles to the implementation of an operative language policy" because "interference and decision-making from outside the Basque language community render ineffective".

In relation the issue of the "appropriate status", Kontseilua asks that Basque be made "official in its entire territory" (i. e. in all Euskadi, Navarre and the Northern Basque Country in France) "and have this status along four dimensions: political, territorial, collective and objective". This could open the door for "the designation of Basque as the priority language" and should be completed with "making it compulsory to know Basque" as "a necessary step in order to accomplish language recovery. The obligation to know Basque will ensure the peaceful coexistence of all citizens".