It has been scientifically proven, by a German team of scholars, in Paderborn, Germany, that students who first learn Esperanto as a second language find it easier to learn other ethnic languages, and learn them faster, too.
The European Union is in need of a second, neutral, language for every member country. This language should not be English, or any other ethnical language, because it would be a matter of imposing a foreign culture in countries that have totally different backgrounds.
Since Esperanto is faster and easier to learn than any other ethnical language, due to its 16 grammar rules with virtually no exceptions, it could be mastered in the basic level by most students in a 6-month to 1-year period.
If every country in Europe comitted itself to teaching their high school children how to communicate in Esperanto, they would be preserving their own language and culture, because Esperanto belongs to no country in particular, but at the same time, belongs to all countries.
It is also a matter of Economics, since, when every country in Europe had Esperanto as their second language, millions would be saved in translation and interpreting.
Think of it: Why should a greek man speak to a Dutch woman in a language that belongs to a totally different country, like English or German?
Countries like the US and Brazil have begun discussing the possibility of teaching Esperanto in schools, too. But Europe should set the example, since the Communications problem here seems to be a lot worse than in America.
Only to emphasize: The idea is NOT to replace any language by Esperanto, but just the opposite - Guarantee that each nation have their own language officially, and Esperanto as a second, auxiliary nation for international communication.
Vote smart. Vote FOR Esperanto as a second language to everybody.