AN international lobbying organisation voted unanimously on Saturday to support Cymdeithas yr Iaith’s Property Act proposals to tackle the housing crisis in Wales and safeguard Welsh-speaking communities.

The European Language Equality Network (Elen) works with the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe and other bodies to ensure fairness for minority and regional languages across Europe.

Its annual general assembly took place in Bilbao, Basque Country, over the weekend.

Dr Jeff Smith and Owain Meirion from Cymdeithas yr Iaith, Emma Jenkin from Kowethas An Yeth Kernewek in Cornwall and Neus Sanchez Lendinez from Obra Cultural Balear from the Balearic Islands took part in a panel discussion on the impact of second homes and tourism on minority language communities.

Dr Smith said: “Considering the housing crisis facing our communities and the disastrous effect on minority languages, it is very timely that this forms part of Elen’s work.

“It is important that we work together and share experiences in order to secure the future of our communities by better regulating the housing market and establishing a legal right to adequate housing.”