This paper illustrates the principle that translation cannot be regarded as a straightforward, neutral process. Any act of translating involves making a choice, which means taking decisions; in the case of legislative or political documents the decision acquires a legislative or political dimension as well. For this reason it would be desirable for all those involved in drafting multilingual texts, including the translators, to interact throughout the process, so as to ensure that the intent of the legislator or politician finds equivalent expression in each of the official languages.