The European Union’s rotating Presidency is awarded to a different member country every six months. During its Presidency each country is responsible for chairing meetings of the Council of the European Union, facilitating dialogue within the Council and across a multitude of meetings and events with European countries, institutions and the private sector. A Presidency is an important moment for EU Member States. It allows them to influence Europe’s agenda and raise their profile in international politics.
EU Presidency meetings involve a large number of nationalities and languages, so interpretation is a critical element. Meetings concern many different subjects, including topics of a very technical nature. Some meetings are organised and staffed directly by the European Commission, while others are entrusted to private interpretation providers through a tendering procedure. Governments and ministries trust Calliope, just like they trust the European Commission’s interpreting service, to source interpreters for high-level meetings in up to 23 languages.
Calliope members are proud to have provided services for the following Presidencies:
Portugal – 2nd Semester 2007
Calliope made a sizable contribution to the 2007 Portuguese Presidency with almost 300 interpreting days in up to 8 languages provided by Laurence Corréard, Calliope member for Portugal.
”I would like to emphasize that the commitment and flexibility of the interpreters throughout the Portuguese EU Presidency were key elements in its success. A global network provides genuine value-added in a country with a relatively small number of high-caliber professional interpreters.”
Ludmila Moura – PPUE 2007 Coordinator for interpretation
Denmark – 1st Semester 2012
It was the task of Linda Hoffmeyer, Calliope member for Denmark, to organise and field teams of interpreters for all meetings of the Danish Parliament, including the COSAC meeting, a high-profile event which required interpretation in all 23 official EU languages.
“Linda Hoffmeyer’s work has always been highly skillful, professional and precise. Furthermore her positive attitude and tact have always been appreciated. In addition to this, Linda Hoffmeyer has participated in the planning of conferences, has set up teams of interpreters and recruited interpreters with very varied language combinations – from the most common to the more exotic ones. One of the most important tasks, amongst many others, was the work done under the last Danish Presidency of the European Union. It has been a great pleasure to work with her.”
Birgitte Wern, Head of the Language department, The Danish Parliament.
Cyprus – 2nd Semester 2012
Irina Pipis, local Calliope member, was in charge of several teams of interpreters during the Cyprus Presidency, including the interpreters required by the Spanish Senate. Here is the opinion of the Head of Department:
“It has been a pleasure working with you during the Cyprus Presidency. Your interpreters were world class! When our delegations returned, they were all delighted with your interpreters’ work. The next time we require interpretation, rest assured we will keep Calliope-Interpreters in mind. Thank you for your work and kindness.”
International Relations Department, Spanish Senate
Ireland – 1st Semester 2013
In 2013, some 90 interpreting days in up to 5 languages were awarded to Alexandra Hambling, Calliope member for Ireland.
“Calliope-Interpreters provided an excellent interpretation service at the informal meeting of the EU Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) held in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. This company is highly professional and provides an excellent service.”
Billy McAteer, Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector at the Irish Presidency Chief Veterinary Officers Organising Committee
Greece – 1st Semester 2014
Haris Ghinos, Calliope member for Greece, provided around 180 interpreter days for events organised in the context of the Hellenic Presidency in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Greek. Additional interpretation and translation services were provided for many events directly or indirectly linked to the EU Presidency.
“As the Hellenic Presidency draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the outstanding cooperation we have enjoyed over the past few months. The parliamentary dimension of the Hellenic Presidency has been a success, and the input provided by ELIT Language Services and Calliope-Interpreters has been instrumental in achieving this.”
Anastasia Frangou, Head of the Directorate for European Affairs
