COTSOES / Conference of Translation Services of European States
was established
- To foster exchanges of information and experiences in areas of common interest
- To assist Member Services with translation, interpretation, terminology and language technology issues
- To promote cooperation among language professionals in the public service.
Member Services
In 2011, 35 services from 16 different countries are members of Cotsoes. The number of services from any country is not limited because services represent only themselves and not their country. Each service can send two representatives to the Assembly. Central government translation, terminology and/or interpretation services of states outside Europe and of intergovernmental organizations may attend the Assembly but are not entitled to vote.
The Rules of the Conference were established in 1982 in Bern. They have been revised recently and the updated Rules are available at www.cotsoes.org.
Assembly
The Assembly meets every two years in ordinary session. The Presidency is elected in the Assembly for a period of two years, and the outgoing Presidency assists the new Presidency to ensure continuity. The principal duties of the Presidency are:
- Drawing up the agenda for the Assembly
- Organising and directing the activities of the Assembly
- Circulating the decisions and recommendations adopted by the Assembly as well as the working groups’ reports
- Preparing an account of the activities of the Conference
The Translation Centre of the French Economy and Finance Ministry chairs the Conference between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012.
Working languages
The working languages of the Conference are English, French and German. If the Presidency is unable to arrange interpretation in the Assembly, it can request assistance from Member Services and interpretation can be arranged in cooperation. The working groups’ reports are prepared in all the three languages.
Working Groups
At present, there are four active working groups:
- Human Resources
- Rules of Procedure
- Terminology and Documentation
- Use of New Technologies
Assembly in Bonn in 2010 and in Paris in 2012
The 16th Assembly was held at the German Ministry of Defence in Bonn on 30 September – 1 October 2010. 19 Member Services were present, and the Nordic Council attended the meeting as observer. A number of services sent word that they were unable to participate this year because of budgetary constraints.
The findings of the working groups were discussed in the Assembly as well as during the breaks and meals in Bonn. New contacts were made and ideas were launched for further deliberation.
The working groups’ reports are available on the website, www.cotsoes.org.
The next Assembly will be held in Paris, 18–19 October 2012.
Last update: 16 November 2011