The Region of Greece and Cyprus
AIIC is the only global association of interpreters. It is organised in Regions to ensure that it has the necessary flexibility to adapt its operations to the specificities of the markets around the world.
The AIIC Region of Greece and Cyprus currently has 44 members who are native speakers of a variety of languages. Almost all of them are freelance professionals. Being part of a vast network of interpreters, they can also help you source interpreters for languages not covered locally. In addition, our dynamic searchable directory is a valuable tool in finding the right interpreters for your event.
Many AIIC members are also members of the Hellenic Association of Conference Interpreters (SYDISE).
Working for the EU and other international Institutions abroad
The two countries are members of major worldwide and regional institutions including the EU, NATO, UN, Council of Europe, and many others, enabling our members to work for them in the Region or abroad.
Most AIIC members are also accredited with the European Union Institutions (following a rigorous accreditation process) and work in meetings organised in Greece or Cyprus (conferences and missions) and at the seats of the EU’s Institutions (Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg).
In this manner, they have, over decades, been the “Greek voice abroad”.
Working for International Institutions and GovernmentS in the Region
Our members are also engaged by the National Parliaments, Ministries, and governmental agencies, and assist in high-profile public events - working with visiting dignitaries, facilitating high-level meetings, and accompanying high-ranking officials when on state visits abroad.
The contribution of AIIC interpreters is decisive when Greece or Cyprus hold the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the European Union. Ever-increasing numbers of international organisations have their seats or branches in Greece and Cyprus and often require the assistance of AIIC interpreters, notably CEDEFOP, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training in Thessaloniki.
Throughout the economic crunch, Greek teams of interpreters worked for the IMF and DG REFORM (formerly SRSS - the EU arm providing support on the ground in Greece). The UN and UNDP have dedicated offices in Cyprus whilst the EBRD, ILO, and World Bank have theirs in Athens. Our Region’s members are often called upon to participate in special missions from the UN, Council of Europe, and other major institutions. Court cases, arbitration, and mediation are also a sector in which AIIC Interpreters provide their services both in Greece and Cyprus, as well as abroad.
Highlights of the past for interpreters were the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
Working in the conference industry in Greece and Cyprus
Greece and Cyprus are prime destinations for Conference Tourism and thriving conference environments have grown up. Top-notch conference interpreters in the region specialise in a variety of topics. Experienced audio-visual firms provide advanced technical solutions.
In Athens, conference organisers are spoilt for choice of venue with amazing sites such as the iconic Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre by the sea and the Acropolis Museum in central Athens, to mention only a couple. There are lovely venues outside of Athens as well, on Crete and other islands, and beautiful Delphi on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. Cyprus has many 5-star hotels that have state-of-the art conference centres in idyllic locations.
Working in the era of Covid
Conference interpreting in Greece and Cyprus has survived despite difficult economic conditions, evolving with circumstances and proving resilient even during the pandemic. The conference industry was able to migrate meetings and conferences to the virtual world due to recent technological developments, keeping the whole industry on life support ready to spring back to life when the pandemic is over.
AIIC does not shy away from cutting edge technology and worked hard to formulate standards and guidelines for a professional service while using Remote Simultaneous Technology, interpreting hubs, and many hybrid formats to create a seamless and risk-free conference.
AIIC Greece and Cyprus had already held a conference on RSI (see below) when it was still a budding technology and meant that it hit the ground running in the difficult lock-down conditions. Read here for more information on how AIIC as a whole reacted to the COVID-19 challenge.
Our Region’s Activities
Our Region has kept on the forefront of developments, keeping ahead of the game (Conference on RSI a year prior to the pandemic outbreak), staying relevant for budding interpreters (Vega) and through outreach activities (talking about the ramifications of the pandemic for interpreters Parliaments TV)
For an overview of our past activities and future plans watch this space.