We need to listen to those who give us voice

The ECR Group is speaking up for the European Parliament's external interpreters.

Letter of the ECR Co-Chairmen to President Sassoli on the situation of the auxiliary conference interpreters.

Honourable Mr. President,

We would like to bring to your attention the challenging situation that the auxiliary conference interpreters (ACIs) working for the EU institutions have found themselves in. Many of the ACIs depend on their work for the EU institutions as their only or their main source of income. Since the number of meetings has been drastically limited over the recent months, ACIs have essentially been left without work.

What makes ACIs’ predicament even worse is the nature of their contractual relationship with the EU institutions, which means that all ACIs pay the EU community tax. Due to that reason, they are ineligible for financial aid under national measures, which are often based upon national taxable income.

Given the unprecedented nature of the ongoing crisis, the highly skilled professionals that our chamber so greatly relies on, need our help. The advance payment of 1300 euros on contracts to be fulfilled until the end of this year is a solution that ACIs find highly unsatisfactory. Given the level of professionalism and dedication auxiliary conference interpreters have consistently presented, it is fair to say that this chamber owes them more than that.

Therefore, the ECR Group in the European Parliament urges you, Mr. President, to start a new dialogue with ACIs in order to negotiate a more viable solution that will help them get through these difficult times.

Yours sincerely,

Ryszard Legutko

Raffaele Fitto

ECR Group’s Co-Chairmen