European Commissioner for Multilingualism Leonard Orban today confirmed his intention of becoming a formal patron of the Arsenal Languages Double Club project.

Leonard Orban visited the Emirates Stadium today to see the Arsenal Double Club project in action. He was impressed by the ground-breaking initiative, especially as it targets children who may not otherwise be exposed to learning foreign languages, a priority for the Commission's multilingualism policy.

Commissioner Orban said:

"I would like to congratulate Arsenal and the French, German and Spanish partners on this excellent project. I am particularly happy to see this innovative initiative promoting language learning among school children having born in the UK. I am delighted to confirm my intention of formal patronage of this initiative that can serve to inspire for innovative language learning targeted for children throughout the European Union."

The European Commission became a partner in the project in October 2007.