NEIGHBOURHOOD AND ENLARGEMENT - Regional roundtable discusses efforts to step-up use of remote interpretation in migration cases

The aim of the roundtable “Integrating Remote Interpretation into National Legislation and Operational Procedures in the Western Balkans - a way towards EU best practices” was to get an overview of existing systems for remote interpretation services in the relevant EU Member States and to draft the proposal of specific articles for the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) in Montenegro and in Serbia in view of formal recognition of remote interpretation. Improved delivery of remote interpretation supports WB partners to take steps towards formal recognition of such tools in migration law, policies and operational procedures. Legally regulating the use of such tools is expected to safeguard the fundamental rights of victims and to have proceedings conducted in a language they understand. The event was attended by 30 participants (12 men, 18 women).

date: 06/02/2025

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Contact: Andreea Apostu

Under the EU Regional Support to Protection Sensitive Migration Management Systems in the Western Balkans – Phase III, the regional roundtable on “Integrating Remote Interpretation into National Legislation and Operational Procedures in the Western Balkans -- a way towards EU best practices” was organised by IOM in September 2024 in Bar, Montenegro. It gathered police, prosecutors and judges of Montenegro and Serbia. Law enforcement agencies and judiciary institutions in the WB had not resorted to remote interpretation in the past due to the need to secure the interpreter's signature on each statement or interview report. The roundtable resulted in outlining the amendment of Article 8 of the CPC of Montenegro and Article 11 of the CPC of Serbia, which were then submitted to the respective Ministry of Justice to be incorporated into the CPC amendment.