An editorial and articles are presented on a European unit/credit system for modern language learning by adults. The contents are as follows: "A European Unit Credit System" by J. L. M. Trim; "The Analysis of Language Needs: Illusion--Pretext--Necessity" by Rene Richterich; "Learning a Language Is Learning to Communicate" by D. A. Wilkins; "The Threshold-Level" by J.A. Van Ek; and "Multi-Media Strategies" by Michel Kuhn. According to the editorial, the Council of Europe is trying to ensure that every European can at least acquire the minimum skills to allow himself to communicate outside his own country. In the Modern Language Learning project for adults, language needs have been analyzed, and a threshold level has been defined as the minimum skills required to make oneself understood. A method of assessing achievement on a unit/credit basis has also been developed. (SW)