Tailor-made support for priority topics
DG Interpretation’s interpreters deal with a wide range of complex subjects every day. This requires them to understand and convey simultaneously and in detail very specific concepts with accurate terms in their language.
This is why they need tailor-made support that not only provides a general context but also specific details of a topic. Such a topic may be only one part of a much larger policy area being discussed across the institutions.
DG Interpretation organises thematic courses that focus on these specific details and looks at priority topics from the interpreters’ point of view.
General courses on law, economics and finance provide a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding in these domains. In addition, courses and seminars are organised on topical issues linked to the EU priorities, e.g. the Leaders’ agenda, institutional priorities, the Commission’s work programme.
Some of the courses are planned in advance. However, other courses and presentations are organised during the year to satisfy needs that arise as different initiatives become topical and require background information.
The two main types of courses on offer are described below.
Thematic courses led by external experts
Courses covering general introductions to law, economy and finance give an in-depth analysis of the basics and are essential for most interpreters who do not have a specialised background in one of these fields.
More specialised thematic courses are carefully prepared and delivered by experts to meet interpreters' specific needs. Examples include very technical courses on taxation, monetary policy, the Energy Union and environmental law, based on the priorities of the trio of EU Presidencies.
Knowledge sharing events or 'thematic presentations'
Commission and Council experts and staff of permanent representations (the diplomatic missions of EU countries) share their knowledge with DG Interpretation interpreters on specific subjects or files. Staff interpreters with specialist knowledge can also share their expertise.
These thematic presentations focus on specific Commission and Council priorities and legislative proposals and are delivered in English, French or German or in the experts’ native language. These knowledge sharing events are also an excellent opportunity for interpreters to interact closely with users of interpretation services.