The Work

The EU institutions' interpreting service is the largest in the world. Its conference interpreters ensure that the discussions held at meetings are correctly interpreted into an official language of the EU, using either simultaneous or consecutive interpreting.

EU interpreters work in a stimulating, multi-cultural environment, and must be able to:

• Communicate effectively

• Grasp varied and often complex issues

• React and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances

• Work under pressure, independently and as part of a team.

Further Information

• Interpreter EU - Conference - from: European Commission [pdf]
• Interpreter EU - Conference - from: An Coimisún Eorpach [pdf]
• Interpreter EU - Conference - from: European Union [pdf]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Linguistic

The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

The usual route to a career in translation is to first complete a degree course in Modern Languages. Some courses place emphasis on language rather than literature and may include the practice of translation within the course. Other suitable degree courses may combine a technical subject with language study and technical translation. Relevant courses are available at a number of Colleges and Universities throughout Ireland. 

Training & Development 

FET Centre PLC Course: Language & European Studies NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses *The majority of FET Centre PLC courses have a language component subject of a modern language*

Higher Education CAO Entry European Studies, Languages NFQ 8 Search CAO courses

Study In Europe Language & Technical subjects EQF (European Framework Qualifications) Search Eunicas courses 

EU Conference Interpreters must have:

• Perfect command of one European language and a thorough command of at least 2 others (one of your languages must be English, French or German)
• An appropriate qualification in conference interpreting or a degree, plus one year's professional experience as a conference interpreter
• Several years’ relevant experience, to join us at a more senior level (Grade AD 7) EU Career Grades.

The selection procedure for conference interpreters focuses on your interpreting skills, as well as the core competencies required of all EU officials.

Interpreting skills are assessed on the basis of simultaneous and consecutive interpreting exercises in your chosen languages.

Find out more about the selection procedure here. You may also find the sample tests area useful.

Interpreter selections are launched each year in the summer (June/July).

Check the "What's coming up" on the EU careers homepage for an announcement about the languages we are looking for in the current year.

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €31k - €100k

Basic monthly permanent official salaries range from around €2,300 per month for a newly recruited Assistant-Secretary (AST/SC 1) official, €4500 for an entry level graduate administrator grade (AD 5) and up to €16,000 per month for a limited number of top level Administrators (AD 16) at Director-General level. Each grade is broken up into five seniority steps with corresponding salary increases. Basic salaries are adjusted annually in line with inflation and purchasing power in the EU countries.

Data Source(s):
EU Salary Scales EPSO

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.

There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.

• EU Careers - European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)

  • Candidate Contact Service, Office C-80 00/40, B1049 Brussels
  • 00800 6789 1011
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• European Movement Ireland

  • 8 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2,
  • (0)1 662 5815
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• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
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• European Commission (Ireland)

  • European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 634 1111
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• European Parliament Information Office in Ireland

  • 43, Molesworth Street, Dublin, 2
  • 01 - 605 7900
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