Divisive effect of official language systems

In the former Soviet Union, languages of all member states were authorized but only one was official. Concerns over language imperialism and cultural elitism arise. In 1993 the EEC/EU had nine official languages reflecting its membership, but several other languages, such as Irish, were authorized. Practically this means a two-tier system where the official languages are systematically translated, one between the other, but the authorized languages are treated more casually. Considering that 30 to 35% of the total operating budget of the EC is for translation, the implications of Sweden, Finland and Norway entering the EEC/EU are financially very costly under current pluralist language policies.