What is the EU-AIIC Agreement and
What is the EU-AIIC Agreement and
why it matters to you?
why it matters to you?
Embedded Files
The history of the EU-AIIC Agreement is, in many ways, the history of how freelance conference interpreters secured the rights and protections they enjoy today in the European Union Institutions. First concluded in 1969, it has shaped the profession in the EU sector for close to six decades now. Renewed and improved through successive rounds of negotiation, the Agreement evolved from a series of five-year agreements into an open-ended framework in 1999, reflecting the maturity and stability of the partnership between the Institutions and the interpreting profession, represented by AIIC.
Over the decades, the Agreement has secured a range of rights and protections that are unique in our profession. These include remuneration and working conditions linked to those of staff interpreters, automatic indexation, generous contributions to a pension fund, health and loss-of-income insurance, travel-time compensation, flexible travel arrangements, and study bursaries to help interpreters acquire additional languages. A particularly significant milestone was reached in 2004, when freelance interpreters obtained EU Agent status, securing the Community tax regime and reinforcing their place within the institutional framework of the European Union.
None of these achievements came about by chance. Every article, every protection and every improvement reflects years of negotiation, advocacy and dialogue carried out by successive generations of interpreters and their elected representatives. The current Agreement, negotiated in 2006–2007 and in force since 2008, is the result of that continuous effort.
Today, the EU-AIIC Agreement remains one of the most comprehensive frameworks governing conference interpreters anywhere in the world. More than a collection of contractual provisions, it embodies a shared commitment to fair working conditions, professional excellence and multilingualism. It continues to benefit every interpreter working in the EU sector and serves as a reminder that the rights and protections we enjoy today are not permanent acquisitions, but achievements that must be understood, valued and defended.
Consult the EU-AIIC Agreement here
Why should you join AIIC?
Why should you join AIIC?
The EU-AIIC Agreement exists because interpreters organised collectively, and that collective strength depends on participation. For more than fifty years, AIIC has provided the framework through which interpreters have negotiated, defended and improved their professional conditions. By joining AIIC, ACIs help preserve that collective strength and ensure that the profession continues to speak with a strong and united voice.
Collective representation
Collective representation
AIIC negotiates and maintains agreements with major international organisations, including the EU Institutions and organisations of the UN system. Through these agreements, it helps safeguard fair remuneration, professional standards and working conditions for present and future generations of interpreters.
A strong professional network
A strong professional network
Membership gives you access to a global community of colleagues. This network is invaluable for booth-building, team selection, mentoring, knowledge-sharing and long-term career development.
Professional credibility
Professional credibility
AIIC membership is recognised worldwide as a mark of professional excellence. It signals to institutions, international organisations and private clients that you meet rigorous professional and ethical standards.
Continuous professional development
Continuous professional development
AIIC provides training, webinars, publications and other resources to help interpreters develop their skills and adapt to a rapidly evolving profession, including the challenges and opportunities created by new technologies and artificial intelligence.
Advocacy for the profession
Advocacy for the profession
AIIC actively promotes high-quality conference interpreting and represents the profession before international organisations, public authorities and other stakeholders. Its advocacy helps ensure that interpreters' voices are heard whenever decisions affecting the profession are made.
A shared ethical framework
A shared ethical framework
AIIC members commit to a strict Code of Professional Ethics that promotes confidentiality, impartiality, collegiality and professional integrity—values that underpin trust in our profession.
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