eTranslation facilitates inclusive dialogue among EU citizens
The platform supporting the Conference on the Future of Europe went live on 19 April 2021.
It is an innovative space where citizens are able to discuss the future of Europe, share their ideas, and submit proposals on topics that matter to them in any of the 24 official EU languages. This new interactive instrument and unique example of participatory democracy are powered by eTranslation, one of the AI-based language tools developed by the European Commission.
Better connecting EU citizens
The platform offers three main ways to interact: people can express their views on Europe and the changes they believe are needed - or endorse and comment on what other Europeans have to say; they can find events to attend near them or online, or organise their own events.
There are pre-defined topics for discussion but there is also an “Other topics” option for citizens who want to engage in other or cross-cutting subjects. You can post your idea or leave a comment in any of the 24 official languages; those who do not speak your language can request an automatic translation by simply clicking a button.
You can find information on events happening near you or online, and get information on the event outcomes, even if you do not understand the language in which the event was held.
Finally, you can make your local event visible to the European audience and promote the results across the language barrier, as event organisers are committed to uploading the outcomes of their event's discussions to the platform.
The power of eTranslation
Thanks to language technologies, in particular eTranslation, you can have the information on the events and the contributions of other users automatically translated in your chosen language. This makes it possible to have a truly inclusive European dialogue on subjects that matter to all of us, such as climate change or post-pandemic recovery.
A feedback mechanism will ensure that the ideas expressed during the Conference feed into the EU's strategic planning and result in concrete recommendations for EU action.
Try it out here! Use the opportunity to make your voice heard in the language of your preference! Europe is listening.
More information: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1764