Saving Maltese in Brussels: The Fight for Our Language at the European Parliament

Imagine this: you’re in the heart of Brussels, the capital of the European Union, and you overhear a conversation in Maltese. It’s not a tourist on holiday, but a seasoned diplomat, discussing policy with a colleague. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario; it’s the reality that Maltese interpreters are fighting to preserve. But with budget cuts looming, their future hangs in the balance.

Malta’s Voice in Brussels

The European Parliament employs interpreters for all 24 official languages, including Maltese. These professionals ensure that every voice is heard, every vote counted, in the EU’s legislative body. But with fewer than 10 Maltese interpreters currently employed, our language is at risk of being sidelined.

Meet Clara, a Maltese interpreter who’s been based in Brussels for over a decade. She’s seen firsthand the importance of Maltese in EU politics. “When Maltese MEPs speak in their native language, they connect with their constituents back home on a deeper level,” she explains. “It’s about more than just translation; it’s about representation.”

Budget Cuts: A Silent Threat

The European Parliament’s budget is tight, and languages are often the first to feel the squeeze. In 2020, the Parliament proposed cuts to interpretation services, including Maltese. The proposal sparked outrage among Maltese MEPs and interpreters alike.

“It’s not just about us,” says Joseph, another Maltese interpreter. “It’s about sending a message to the rest of Europe that Maltese is a language worth investing in, worth preserving.”

Fighting Back: Local Support and EU-wide Awareness

Malta’s political scene has rallied behind the interpreters. In February, Maltese Parliament passed a resolution condemning the proposed cuts. Meanwhile, Maltese MEPs have been lobbying their EU counterparts, raising awareness about the issue across party lines.

Clara and Joseph, along with their colleagues, have also launched a social media campaign, #SaveMalteseInEU. They’re sharing stories, hosting webinars, and even teaching EU officials basic Maltese phrases. Their goal? To show the EU that Maltese matters, and that it’s worth investing in.

“We’re not just fighting for our jobs,” Clara says. “We’re fighting for Malta’s place in Europe. We’re fighting for our language, our culture, our identity.”

And the fight seems to be paying off. In March, the European Parliament’s budget committee rejected the proposed cuts, a victory for Maltese interpreters and their supporters.

But the battle isn’t over yet. As the EU’s budget negotiations continue, Malta’s voice in Brussels remains at risk. It’s up to us, the Maltese public, to keep the pressure on, to keep fighting for our language, our culture, our identity.

So, the next time you’re in Brussels, remember that you’re not just hearing a language; you’re hearing Malta’s voice in Europe. And it’s up to us to make sure that voice is heard loud and clear.