The basic recommendation is that attempts should be made to improve the mechanisms by which the status of translators is signalled, building on the work that has been done by the EMT and Optimale initiatives. This is in view of the many areas in which the current signals of status are not working optimally.

While it is not the task of this study to propose policy, any action in this field should pay some heed to the following criteria and desiderata:

1. 1. It should address the many paraprofessionals who are translating and interpreting many “immigrant” languages.

2. This implies that a certification system, for example, should have several different levels and types of certification, including a level for segments and languages where little training can be required because the demand far exceeds the supply of trained translators. Translation and interpreting services for the provision of justice in immigrant languages is an area where public policy is scandalously absent in the European Union.

3. 2. It should involve more than the official languages of the European Union.

4. This concerns not just “immigrant” and “non-territorial” languages, but also the languages of the major trading partners.

5. 3. In principle, it should be as lean as possible and paid for by the main direct beneficiaries.

6. This implies recognising that status is a commodity, with a market value. Public funds should be invested only to the extent that public administrations are themselves long-term beneficiaries.

7. 4. It should seek to ensure cross-border recognition of qualifications and certifications.

8. […]