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Interpreters: walking a tightrope Institutions − 22-02-2012 - 17:00

European Parliament interpreters at work

What makes a good translator might be open to interpretation, but it's clear what translates into being a good interpreter. Interpreters are quite simply the European Parliament's tightrope walkers. Always performing under pressure, they need to find the right balance between speed and accuracy. But if they fail, there is no safety net to catch them. Let's take a look back-stage at these linguistic daredevils.

When translation speaks volumes Institutions − 21-02-2012 - 17:25

If what people speak in the Hellenic Republic is like Greek to you, spare a thought for the European Parliament's unsung heroes. While most people already struggle to order a beer on holiday abroad, the translators at the Parliament routinely use anything from three to eight languages a day. They make sure that Dutch doesn't turn into double Dutch and that nothing gets lost in translation. As today is Mother Language Day, we take a look at the professionals who are never at a loss for words.

What you should know about ACTA Information society − 21-02-2012 - 15:02

Map showing which countries have signed ACTA

Parliament keeps an eye on elections in Russia External relations − 20-02-2012 - 15:14

People protesting in Moscow last December over last year's parliamentary elections in Russia ©BELGAAFP/ Y.Kadobnov

This week in the EP Institutions − 20-02-2012 - 13:58

European Parliament building in Brussels

No need to feel blue over calendar colours Institutions − 20-02-2012 - 12:20

10 things you should know about the February plenary Institutions − 17-02-2012 - 09:10

Preparing for the opening of the session

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What's coming up in the EP in 2012? Institutions − 11-01-2012 - 15:13

Shadow of a woman with a raised hand holding a pen

It looks set to be a busy 12 months for MEPs with the economic crisis continuing, a raft of energy and transport issues on the agenda and negotiations on reforming the Common Agriculture Policy.

Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2011 Human rights − 14-12-2011 - 15:44

EP President Jerzy Buzek announced 27 October that five Arab Spring activists will be awarded the 2011 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought for their contribution to historic changes in the Arab world and as a "symbol for all those working for dignity, democracy and fundamental rights in the Arab world and beyond". The prize was awarded on 14 December during a formal sitting in Strasbourg.

EP 2009-2011 - a look back at key legislation Institutions − 09-12-2011 - 08:21

The European Parliament is almost half way through its seventh term and it has been quite a turbulent two and a half years with the economic crisis. As we reach the mid-point between elections we look back at some of the key legislation approved by MEPs, including the economic governance 6-pack, financial supervision, wide-ranging consumer protection rules and passenger rights.

Deciding the 2012 EU budget Budget − 02-12-2011 - 11:34

The European Parliament's October vote on next year's EU budget marked the beginning of the final stage of negotiations. With the agreement on the size and priorities of the 2012 budget, reached on the evening of 18 November, it took a concrete step towards a final agreement. The EP and Council agreed that the 2012 budget should rise 1.86%.

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32 European countries covered by Single Euro Payments Area SEPA

In the European Union there are no good guys and bad guys. We are all responsible together for the deeds of the past and, especially, for building the future.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti in his speech to the European Parliament Article

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