Extending Rule 168 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure until the end of the 10th parliamentary term
This decision extends a temporary rule allowing for exceptions to the standard language requirements in the European Parliament. This is to ensure Parliament can function even when there aren't enough interpreters or translators for all official languages. This rule primarily affects the European Parliament's operations and its Members. It specifically addresses potential limitations in interpretation and translation services for Irish and Maltese. Currently, exceptions to using all official languages are allowed only if interpreters or translators are unavailable despite taking precautions. This decision extends that possibility until the end of the tenth parliamentary term. The Bureau of the Parliament has recommended this extension due to ongoing capacity issues with Irish and Maltese interpretation and translation services, which are not expected to be fully resolved by the start of the next parliamentary term.
Analysis
Rule 168 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure is extended until the end of the tenth parliamentary term.
What changes
- Extends the applicability of Rule 168 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure.
Expected impact
- The extension of Rule 168 allows for continued derogations from the general rule that all Parliament's documents are in official languages and Members can speak in their chosen official language.
- Full interpretation services in Irish and Maltese may not be available from the start of the tenth parliamentary term due to capacity issues.
- For documents other than legal acts of general application, full coverage in Irish cannot be assured for the foreseeable future due to a limited number of qualified translators.
Limitations
- The document does not specify the exact number of interpreters or translators that are unavailable.
- The document does not detail the 'adequate precautions' taken to secure interpreters or translators.
- The document does not provide specific details on the 'temporary special arrangements' adopted by the Council concerning the drafting of legal acts.
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