The global Deaf community already has September 23 to mark International Day of Sign Languages. Now, a new proposal on the table could give Europe its own dedicated day to celebrate sign language diversity closer to home.
A New Proposal from Hungary and the EUD
In late 2025, the Hungarian government, working in partnership with the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), proposed establishing a European Day of Sign Languages, with a suggested date of June 17. The proposal was formally introduced as an agenda item at a Council of the European Union meeting in October 2025.
Why June 17
The date isn’t arbitrary. It marks the anniversary of the European Parliament’s 1988 Resolution on Sign Languages for Deaf People, a resolution that called on EU member states to officially recognize their national sign languages and became a pivotal moment in the fight for linguistic equality for Deaf communities across Europe.
The timing also builds on real momentum. In December 2024, during Hungary’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, an official Council meeting was chaired using Hungarian Sign Language for the first time in EU history, a milestone moment for sign language visibility at the highest levels of European governance.
What the Day Would Celebrate
If adopted, a European Day of Sign Languages would exist to:
- Raise awareness of the diversity and importance of Europe’s 29 recognized national sign languages
- Increase visibility for Deaf communities across EU member states
- Promote full recognition of national sign languages as complete, standalone languages, not simplified versions of spoken language
Where International Sign Fits
While this proposal centers on national sign languages, it’s worth noting the connective role International Sign already plays across EU institutions. When Deaf advocates from across 27+ countries come together to push initiatives like this one forward, IS is often the language making that cross-border collaboration possible in the first place.
Something to Watch
As of this proposal’s introduction, formal adoption is still pending further Council discussion. If it moves forward, it would give Europe its own annual moment, alongside September’s International Day of Sign Languages, to spotlight sign language rights and Deaf culture.
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