[align=left] COURT (PLENARY)
CASE "RELATING TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE LAWS ON THE USE OF LANGUAGES IN EDUCATION IN BELGIUM"v. BELGIUM (MERITS)
(Application no 1474/62; 1677/62; 1691/62; 1769/63; 1994/63; 2126/64)
JUDGMENT
STRASBOURG23 July 1968


In the case "relating to certain aspects of the laws on the use of languages in education in Belgium",
The European Court of Human Rights, taking its decision in plenary session in accordance with Rule 48 of the Rules of Court, and composed of the following Judges:
Mr. R. CASSIN, President, and
MM. A. HOLMBÄCK,
A. VERDROSS,
G. MARIDAKIS,
E. RODENBOURG,
A. ROSS,
T. WOLD,
G. BALLADORE PALLIERI,
H. MOSLER,
M. ZEKIA,
A. FAVRE,
J. CREMONA,
Sir HUMPHREY WALDOCK,
G. WIARDA,
Mr. A. MAST, Judge ad hoc, and also
Mr. H. GOLSONG, Registrar, and
Mr. M.-A. EISSEN, Deputy Registrar
Decides as follows concerning the merits of the case:
PROCEDURE
  1. <LI value=1>By a request dated 25th June 1965, the European Commission of Human Rights (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission") brought before the Court a case relating to certain aspects of the laws on the use of languages in education in Belgium.

    The origins of this case lie in six applications against the Kingdom of Belgium lodged with the Commission under Article 25 (art. 25) of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention"). These applications, the first of which was deposited on 16th June 1962 and the last on 28th January 1964 were submitted by inhabitants of Alsemberg and Beersel, Kraainem, Antwerp and environs, Ghent and environs, Louvain and environs and Vilvorde.
    <LI value=2>The Belgian Government, Party, raised a preliminary objection which was rejected by the Court in a judgment on 9th February 1967. That judgment includes a summary of proceedings prior to its delivery.
  2. On 9th February 1967, the President of the Court ascertained the views of the Agent for the Belgian Government, and of the Delegates of the Commission, on the procedure to be followed concerning the merits of the case. By an Order of the same date he decided, in pursuance of Rules 35 (1) and 48 (3) of the Rules of Court:
    - that the Belgian Government would have until 1st May 1967 to file a first memorial;
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