To ask Her Majesty's Government what proposals they have to develop the qualifications and languages of United Kingdom officials dealing with European Union business, and of United Kingdom candidates for posts in European Union institutions. [HL1516]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) runs two EU training programmes, in association with the National School for Government. Since April 2007, 440 FCO staff have undertaken the introductory level course, and 170 staff the intermediate level course.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills also runs an EU skills academy, training 150 staff since April 2009.

The Government have recently relaunched the European Fast Stream. The scheme will support an intake of 10 fast-stream entrants each year in their preparations for taking the Concours examinations to join the EU institutions. Each European fast streamer will be placed in a position within the Civil Service that will give them experience of working with the EU; will undertake a five-month internship position with one of the EU institutions; and receive language training in either French or German. European fast streamers who are not successful at the Concours will rejoin the regular Civil Service Fast Stream, bringing with them their experience of working with the EU and their improved language skills. The Government are also working to improve networking and information sharing between officials dealing with EU business in all government departments.