Interpretation in EU Multilingual Law

Abstract

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2022 7(1), 465-480 | Article | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. The multilingual European Union law. - III. Guarantees of clarity in Union law. - IV. Common European legal discourse as a way to overcome relativism. - V. Conclusion. | (Abstract) The European Union as a supranational entity that unites many different legal systems, each with its own linguistic category and distinct legal vocabulary, presents unique challenges in legal translation of European legislation. This Article examines the process of legal-linguistic finalization of EU multi-lingual law and considers the difficulties arising from interpretation of EU acts in light of the linguistic diversity of the Union's 27 Member States. The inquiry reaffirms the importance of the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union to guarantee the uniform functioning of law. Joining the views of some leading researchers in the field, this Article defends the view that a shared European legal discourse is necessary to achieve clarity in European Union law.

Keywords

• court of justice
• language translation
• linguistic relativity
• multilingual european union law
• common european discourse
• uniform language interpretation