Simultaneous Interpretation in Brussels: European Parliament, EU Council and Diplomatic Conferences

For large international conferences, EU summits and multilingual conventions in Brussels, simultaneous interpreting is the gold standard - allowing speakers to address audiences in any language in real time, with no interruptions and no loss of flow. Brussels is home to one of the world's largest pools of simultaneous interpreters.

📖 See also: Conference interpreting in Belgium · Conference interpreting in Brussels · Consecutive interpreting in Brussels

What is simultaneous interpreting?

Simultaneous interpreting is a mode in which the interpreter translates the speaker's words into the target language in real time, with a lag of only a few seconds. The interpreter works from inside a soundproofed booth, listening to the speaker through headphones and delivering the translation into a microphone. Delegates listen via wireless receiver units and earpieces, selecting their preferred language channel.

Simultaneous interpreting demands exceptional cognitive stamina and linguistic agility. The interpreter must simultaneously listen, analyse, translate and speak - without the ability to pause or ask for clarification. For this reason, simultaneous interpreting always requires a minimum of two interpreters per language pair, who alternate every 20 to 30 minutes to maintain accuracy and quality throughout the event.

When to use simultaneous interpreting in Brussels

Simultaneous interpreting is the mode of choice for:

• EU summits and Council meetings: European Council meetings, Council of the EU presidencies and informal ministerial meetings held in Brussels require simultaneous interpreting into all EU working languages.
• Large international conferences: sectoral conferences, academic congresses, trade association general assemblies and stakeholder forums with more than 30 delegates and multiple language groups.
• Multilingual conventions and general assemblies: shareholder meetings, international NGO conventions and intergovernmental meetings where several language channels must run concurrently.
• High-profile press events: major press conferences, product launches and public hearings where live simultaneous interpretation is broadcast or streamed to international audiences.

ISO 4043 booths and technical requirements

The international standard for simultaneous interpreting booths is ISO 4043:2016, which specifies dimensions, acoustic insulation, ventilation, lighting and visibility requirements. Fixed ISO 4043 booths are already installed in the plenary halls of the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, the European Commission's Berlaymont building and many major Brussels conference venues.

For events in venues without permanent booths, portable ISO-standard booths can be installed for the duration of the conference. We coordinate with certified audio-visual equipment suppliers in Brussels and can include booth hire, delegate receiver units, interpreter desks and a dedicated sound technician in a single service package.

Each language channel requires its own booth with a minimum of two interpreters. A conference in English, French and German, for example, would typically require three booths and six interpreters. For full-day events, teams of three interpreters per language pair are recommended.

Rates for simultaneous interpreting in Brussels

Simultaneous interpreting is priced per language pair, per half-day or full day, excluding equipment hire. Indicative rates:

• Half-day (up to 4 hours): approximately 600-900 € per language pair (covering two interpreters alternating), excluding booth and equipment hire.
• Full day (up to 8 hours): approximately 1,000-1,500 € per language pair for a two-interpreter team. A three-interpreter team for full-day events is recommended and priced accordingly.
• Equipment hire: portable ISO-standard booths, receiver systems and technicians are quoted separately based on the venue, number of channels and event duration.

VAT is not applicable under article 44 §3 of the Belgian VAT Code. All prices are fixed and all-inclusive of preparation time. Contact us for a precise, itemised quote.

Frequently asked questions

How many interpreters do I need for a simultaneous interpreting event?

The minimum is two interpreters per language pair for events up to four hours. For full-day events or events with very dense technical content, three interpreters per language pair is standard practice. For events covering, say, English, French, German and Spanish, you would need a minimum of eight interpreters (two per pair) plus their respective booths. We will calculate the exact team size for your event when you submit your request.

Can simultaneous interpreting be provided for remote or hybrid events?

Yes. Remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) using platforms such as Interactio, KUDO or Zoom's native interpretation feature allows interpreters to work from remote interpreter consoles without being physically present at the venue. This is a cost-effective option for hybrid conferences where participants join from multiple locations. We can advise on the appropriate platform and provide a full remote interpreting team for your Brussels event or any event hosted elsewhere.