The Flexibility of Equal Authenticity

Abstract

This contribution will argue that practical considerations that call for a more curtailed application of equal authenticity should not be considered a limitation or imperfection of the principle but should instead be woven into its fabric. To this end, I will first examine the ECJ’s established canons, or guiding principles, on equal authenticity. Subsequently, I will juxtapose these canons with the practices observed in the Court’s application of this principle. Lastly, by exposing these inconsistencies, I contend that a more coherent and transparent policy justification for the EU’s model of institutional multilingualism is imperative. This offers a way forward to coherently and transparently align the principle of equal authenticity with the pragmatic approach to its application. It ensures a nuanced and flexible approach that acknowledges the ideals and practicalities of language policy and strives to find effective and inclusive solutions.