The article discusses translation and interpreting in the European Union. The first part introduces the different bodies and institutions of the EU. Part two deals with the language policies in the EU and the legal basis for a 'multilingual Union'. The language services of the different institutions are discussed in the third part. Part four contains information about competitions, selection procedures, exams, internships and careers in the EU language service. The article concludes with a description of a working day of translators and interpreters.