Goal: Introduce the idea of a shared standard for plain language across Europe.
As more countries and institutions adopt plain language, the idea of a shared European standard is gaining ground. The goal: create a common framework that helps define, teach, and measure clear communication across Europe.
One important step is the work of the International Plain Language Federation, which is developing an ISO standard for plain language. Some EU countries and institutions support this initiative, seeing it as a way to unify efforts and raise quality. The standard would define core principles—such as clarity, structure, relevance, and user focus—and help writers apply them in different languages.
Challenges remain. Every language has its own complexity. Legal traditions differ. What’s “plain” in one country may not be in another. Still, a shared framework could support public servants, translators, designers, and legal drafters in making information clearer and more accessible.
Such a standard would also support cross-border communication. As EU citizens increasingly interact with services in other countries, consistent principles for plain language would improve understanding, especially online.
What began as isolated efforts in a few countries is now moving towards shared, strategic, and measurable goals at the European level. Plain language should no longer be a luxury or a soft skill, but a democratic and practical necessity.