Translation in the European Union machinery

Translation is a means to an end: it helps organisations to function. It is sometimes necessary for new, supranational text types and genres to be created for the purpose of international cooperation. This is the case with EU legislation, for example. Translation Studies scholars should not stick traditional labels (derived from literary and Bible translation) on something new that defies traditional preconceptions. Instead, they should make an effort to understand what the EU institutions are trying to do and how they produce legislation, and the varied part(s) played by translation in EU activities. Some areas of constructive interaction are identified.