This publication focuses on key developments in language education promoted through the work of the European Center for Modern Languages of the Council of Europe (ECML). It serves three main functions. Firstly, it summarizes the ECML's contributions to fostering linguistic and cultural diversity in European societies. Secondly, it contains the proceedings of the ECML Conference, held in September 2007 at the University of Graz, to communicate the results of this program to the wider public. Thirdly, it provides a preview of the projects which comprise the next program of the ECML (2008-2011): "Empowering language professionals: competences - networks - impact - quality". In this way the publication both provides an overview of current issues and trends in European language teaching and indicates perspectives for the future.--Publisher's description.