ACTIVITIES OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF FRANCOPHONIE IN THE FORMATION OF MODERN EUROPEAN CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL SPACE

The article focuses on the formation and development of the International Organization of Francophonie, which originates from the Cultural Services and Technical Cooperation, the intergovernmental organization established in 1970 that united 27 French-speaking countries. The main objectives of this organization which united countries around French as common to all countries-members, were spreading their national cultures and strengthening of the cultural and technical cooperation. At the current stage of the activity of the International Organization of Francophonie four main areas have been singled out: the popularization of the French language and a cultural and linguistic diversity; the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights; the promotion of the education, including the higher education and the research; the spread of an international cooperation in order to establish the long-term relations and solidarity of the nations. The four main operators of the International Organization of Francophonie contribute much to the spread of Francophone culture and the French language. These are: University Agency of Francophonie, French School of Athens, TV 5 monde, International Francophone Channel, International Association of Mayors-Francophones. These associations organize the educational, cultural, scientific and educational programs. In this article the priority tasks of Francophone organization in the formation of a modern European cultural and educational space have been outlined. Among these tasks we should mention: the organization of various courses of the French language, the development of new methods and approaches to the study of French as a foreign language, the publication of textbooks, the development of series of exercises to form communicative, socio-cultural and grammatical competences of a personality, the introduction of distance learning, and holding various cultural and educational activities on the territory of foreign countries. It has been found out that the International Organization of Francophonie closely cooperates with various universities and research institutes and laboratories, facilitating the formation of a long-term international cooperation. Providing a variety of grants and scholarships to foreign researchers, teachers and students and it contributes to the spread of the French language and culture in their countries. It has been found out that the activity of this organization promotes the popularization of the French language and culture in the world and the spread of the cultural and linguistic diversity of other people.