Bridging languages at EU institution meetings
Legislation, standards and ethics Conference sign language interpreting
What is conference interpreting?
The International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) defines interpreting as the practice of conveying the meaning of a speaker’s message orally and in another language to listeners who would not otherwise understand. Conference interpreting is carried out at meetings where several languages are spoken between, for example, representatives of national governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisations.
At the European Commission, conference interpreters can be either staff members or freelance interpreters. They can work for the Commission, the Council of Ministers, the European Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions and various EU agencies. Most of the work takes place in Brussels, but there are also a good number of trips accompanying ministers or officials to meetings abroad.
Interpreting skills
What skills does an interpreter need? Besides a strong command of their native language and an excellent understanding of at least two or three other languages, interpreters also need to have many other skills and qualities, such as the ability to analyse a message quickly and communicate it well. They should also be resilient, able to cope with pressure and stress, use digital and AI tools proficiently, and be endlessly curious as interpreters can work in meetings on any subject.
DG Interpretation has produced a number of videos that explain exactly what interpreting is and what you need to be a successful interpreter.
There are 2 main types of interpreting practised at the European institutions:
- consecutive interpreting – this tends to be done in smaller settings, and the interpreter listens, takes notes and conveys what has been said
- simultaneous interpreting – interpreters sit in booths and work in real time
Simultaneous interpreting is the most common mode of interpreting work.
The European institutions also live-stream some proceedings where you can hear interpreters in action:
How to become a conference interpreter
You need certain skills and qualities to become a successful interpreter. These can be learnt at many postgraduate courses in conference interpreting available in universities in the EU and beyond.
The European Commission and the European Parliament collaborate closely with the European Masters in Conference Interpreting consortium. The consortium groups together those postgraduate programmes in conference interpreting that meet certain standards.
Working for the EU
Find out how you can work as a freelancer or a staff interpreter for the EU institutions.