The Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters (CBTI) has joined the call for broader demands for a structural reform of the justice system, aligning with magistrates and public prosecutors who have been vocal about systemic issues in the sector.
A statement published by the CBTI on June 17, 2025, specifically highlights recurrent issues faced by linguists, arguing that these problems make the professions unsustainable. “Sworn translators and interpreters, often called upon for long, overnight, or weekend assignments, are demanding not only reliable and prompt payments but also a significant increase in their fee schedules.”
Official translation and interpreting rates in Belgium for 2025 became effective in January, but practitioners still consider them too low compared to the private sector. The CBTI is requesting an increase and for the government to “urgently and materially” address persistent, chronic payment delays.
These are concerns that the CBTI has voiced before. In October 2024, interpreters stopped working abruptly to protest the same payment issues, at the time causing delays for a landmark trial.
Translators and interpreters also argue that difficult working conditions are leading to a growing shortage of qualified professionals and other risky situations, including prolonged hearings, procedural errors, and even acquittals due to a lack of proper linguistic support.
According to the Brussels Times, public prosecutors have voiced their concerns about working conditions and staff shortages in the system. In an open letter read during a press conference, prosecutors asked, “How will we continue to find enough police officers, translators, interpreters, legal experts, or recovery services?”
Slator (6/24/25) By Rocío Txabarriaga