The Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters (CBTI) has joined 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.
An announcement 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,” states the post.
Official translation and interpreting rates in Belgium for 2025 became effective in January, and practitioners still consider them to be 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.
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