How did you learn these?

French and Spanish in the pub and university!

Is it necessary to speak other languages when working for the European Parliament?

Not essential but useful.

You work alongside other people from so many countries. How have you managed to communicate with them?

Mostly in English but there is definitely an advantage in terms of personal contact and consequently there is an advantage for policy development if you know and can communicate with the person.

In which work situations is speaking another language advantageous?

Mostly in the informal environment where many discussions around policy issues take place.

Do you get the opportunity to travel with your work? Which countries have you visited?

Yes.

To those who speak Welsh, has your knowledge of Welsh made learning other languages easier?

Yes definitely.

Has learning another language proved an asset to your life and if so, why?

It has greatly facilitated travelling and work.

Debates and discussions in the European Parliament are conducted in several languages. Which are the main ones?

English, French and German

Would you encourage young people in Wales to carry on with their language learning and why?

Yes, today more than ever knowledge of another language is a valuable skill.