Every European country has had its unique experiences with migration, its own view of foreigners, and its particular conception of integration. While the Northern countries were coming together and acknowledging the right of their citizens to be understood in their mother tongues, Mediterranean countries have themselves become outposts for immigrants, many of whom are illegal immigrants. In the East, the fall of the Soviet Bloc has caused migratory streams to travel through or end up in Central Europe (the Baltic Countries, Hungary and Poland). In other areas of Europe, where migrant workers tended to remain only temporarily, their families have become established, and refugees are arriving from many parts of the world. The current trend is toward greater integration into the European Union and decreasing restrictions on the circulation of persons from one nation to another. In some countries, there is a desire to integrate individuals; in others, to integrate entire ethnic communities. This is the multifaceted context in which interpreting in everyday life has come about and prospered, despite limitations imposed by the uncertainty of funding. A survey of forty organizations has shown that certain indicators remain constant and demonstrated the existence of a strong desire for professionalism, particulary in the areas of recruiting and training. As globalization becomes increasingly important, concerted efforts are being made to provide a better response to mushrooming needs in the field of languages.