The European Commission Final Report on Translation and Interpreting for Public Services

“A European Union of 27 Member States could not function without translators and interpreters. Language is the lifeblood of our politics and public life. It is through language that we express our values and ambitions; by speaking another’s language we search for understanding and cooperation. (...) Translation and interpreting have become an essential part of public life, not only in our international organisations, parliaments and conference centres but also in our town halls, court rooms, hospitals and other venues where people have access to public services.”

http://www.eulita.eu/sites/default/files/SIGTIPS%20Final%20Report.pdf