Members and Chair of the Limburgish Language Action Committee

On December 13, 2024, the Provincial Council adopted the Limburg Language Implementation Program 2025–2027, titled “Same veur ’t Limburgs.” This implementation program stipulates that the Provincial Executive will establish a new advisory committee to help elevate the Limburgish language to a higher level. The goal of this committee is to make a so-called “Part III recognition” a realistic possibility and to work toward a Limburgish proposal by 2030. Currently, Limburgish falls under “Part II.”

Part II or Part III refers to sections of theEuropean Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. These are the two levels that can be declared applicable for the protection and promotion of a regional or minority language. In practice, this is sometimes referred to as Part II/III recognition or status. The distinction lies in the level of detail at which the protection of a language and its users, as well as the promotion of a language, is established. Part II states this in fairly general terms. Part III, however, sets out a large number of measures (approximately 70) across various areas. The Charter stipulates that 35 measures must be selected and implemented for Part III. Part III status entails not only rights but also greater obligations. It requires significantly greater efforts and investments, interdepartmental involvement, and broad cooperation. The national government is responsible for granting Part III status.

Building a broad, sustainable coalition to secure social and political support is a central principle. The committee is called the Action Committee because it not only advises the Provincial Executive and the Provincial Council on the steps that need to be taken, but also serves as a trailblazer in this regard. It is not just about what should happen, but also about how this can best be achieved administratively, legally, and practically. A more detailed explanation of the committee’s role within the broader ambition regarding the Limburg language can be found in theImplementation Program.

The Province of Limburg is seeking committee members and a chairperson. The goal is for the committee to include expertise in the following areas: linguistic aspects, legal matters, educational issues/teaching/childcare, digital developments, and administrative relations.

Duties and responsibilities of committee members:

As a committee member, you will carry out the committee’s duties and responsibilities. The committee:

• draws up a “Part III agenda” that outlines the main substantive priorities and actions;
• provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the Provincial Executive and/or the Provincial Council’s Standing Committee;
• commits the parties to the goal, works to establish the necessary conditions, and initiates appropriate (pilot) projects in order to develop its agenda and recommendations in a practical and realistic manner;
• seeks coordination among the three parties: Administrative (GS-PS), Executive (Hoes), and Advisory (committee);

In doing so, the committee focuses on the following topics:

• Alignment with theEuropean Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The committee advises on which (at least) 35 measures from the Charter would provide added value for Limburg in the context of long-term Part III recognition, which measures can count on broad support, and what is required to achieve this. To this end, the committee maintains close contact with the Council of Europe’s committee of experts regarding proper and promising alignment with the Charter.
• Steps to be taken to involve the national government (relevant ministers, departments, and members of Congress).
• Steps to be taken to involve municipalities in Limburg, for example by forming alliances.
• Knowledge development.
• The Province's own contribution.
• Other matters, such as applying for European funding.

In carrying out these tasks, the committee must be familiar with, or be able to obtain information on, and take into account:

• the “Same veur ’t Limburgs” Implementation Program;
• the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages;
• the report by Bureau Berenschot, in response to Motion 3045 by Wolters et al. regarding Óngerwaeg, Part III;
• the current Provincial Cultural Policy, as set forth in the Policy Framework “Culture and Heritage for Everyone 2024–2027.”

Chairperson's duties:

• Chairs committee meetings and guides the committee in the process of developing well-reasoned recommendations.
• Where appropriate, the committee participates in meetings not attended by all members, such as administrative meetings with the portfolio holder, the Provincial Council (Limburg Language Committee), and/or the Hoes veur ’t Limburgs.
• Serves as the point of contact for the administrative secretary.
• Serves as spokesperson for the committee.
• Upholds the common good.
• Performs the duties of a committee member.

Knowledge, experience, and a passion for:

• Have an affinity for the Limburgish language and support the Part III initiative.
• Have knowledge of one or more of the following areas of expertise: linguistic aspects (such as expertise and knowledge regarding the dialect situation in Limburg, language standardization, language variation, multilingualism, and spelling), (cultural) history of Limburg, relevant legal matters, educational matters/education/childcare, digital developments (such as technological expertise in language and speech, digital developments, and the development of concrete applications), and administrative relations.
• Be mindful of the shared nature of our goals and the unity we seek in our ambitions, and have the ability and willingness to make compromises to achieve them.
• Having a relevant network.
• Although it cannot be ruled out that committee members may be affiliated with other organizations named in the Implementation Program, they are expected to maintain an appropriate degree of detachment and independence.

Composition of the committee

The committee consists of 5 to 7 members, including the chair. While suitability is the primary criterion, the committee strives for diversity in terms of gender, age, cultural background, and geographic representation. The Province of Limburg supports the committee through its administrative secretariat.
The “Appointments 2.0” Policy Framework applies to the appointment of the committee members and chairperson.

Leisure activities

The committee meets approximately every 5 to 6 weeks, for a total of 10 times a year. In addition, members will carry out further efforts in their capacity as facilitators, as described in the section on duties and activities. The external consultations and visits required for this purpose are considered separate meetings.
Members are appointed for a term of 4 years. At the end of this term, a member may be reappointed once for a period of 4 years.

Reimbursement

Committee members receive compensation (attendance allowance) for performing their duties and reimbursement of travel expenses pursuant to Article 2.4.1, paragraph 1, of thecurrent Regulation on the Legal Status of Local Elected Officials of the Province of Limburg. In addition, they may be reimbursed for travel and accommodation expenses.

Details

When filling vacancies, the Province of Limburg places a high priority on transparency, diversity, and integrity. Membership on a committee is incompatible with membership in the Provincial Council, the Provincial Executive, or the position of civil servant at the Province of Limburg.
The Province of Limburg therefore appoints only independent experts as committee members.
Candidates are required to disclose their primary and secondary positions.

In accordance with the Policy Framework for Appointments and Shareholder Nominations (Appointments Policy Framework 2.0), committee members are requested to sign a statement of integrity.

At the end of the selection process, we will ask the selected candidates to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct and to submit it to us once it has been approved by Justis.

Interest

Has the job opening above piqued your interest?

Please apply using the application form on the Province of Limburg website.

Interested candidates may apply by May 11, 2025, by submitting a cover letter and resume addressed to the Culture Cluster. The first selection interviews are expected to take place in week 21. If you would like to learn more about the role of committee member or chair in the meantime, please contact Jorg Eijssen at jpf.eijssen@prvlimburg.nl or 06-25 77 95 04.