On December 3 and 4, several cities across the European Union (EU) hosted Citizens' Language Days, which brought together representatives of the EU and other institutions in various formats to discuss the importance of clear language in a democratic society. Language Days), which brought together representatives of the EU and other institutions in various formats to discuss the importance of clear language in a democratic society. Students from translation programs at universities included in the EMT (European Master's in Translation) network also participated in the event organized in Luxembourg. Each EU language was represented by one student. Latvia and the Latvian language were represented by Adrija Enrika Ēdele, a student of the master’s program in translation at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.

EMT network university students were invited to the European Parliament (EP) in Luxembourg, where most of the EP's Directorate-General for Translation staff work. In addition to workshops and conferences, students had the opportunity to explore the European Parliament district and learn about the work of the Directorate-General for Translation.

"During the event, we were able to listen to conferences, workshops, and speeches in various EU languages. It was particularly significant that we were present when the Citizen-Friendly Language Guidelines were published – guidelines that are an important tool for language specialists, translators and other interested parties in the preparation and adaptation of texts into easy-to-read language,"  Adrija explains the event program. It should be noted that the guidelines are based on the ISO standard for plain language. The guidelines are available in all 24 EU languages and include not only text, but also video and audio materials.

Citizen-friendly language days not only promote the use of plain language but also raise awareness among the general public. "Simple or plain language is not necessarily simplified or primitive language – it is a necessity to convey a clear, unambiguous message to the public or specific target groups to whom the message is addressed. In a democratic society, we all have the same right to receive information, regardless of our level of education or health. This was particularly emphasized by the participants in the panel discussion," says Adrija.

During the event, Adrija had the opportunity to meet with R. Schuman trainees (a traineeship at the European Parliament named after Robert Schuman) and employees from the Latvian Language Division of the Directorate-General for Translation. "In my opinion, it is great to meet Latvians in the European Union institutions – it proves that everyone has the opportunity to apply for an internship or job and become part of the European Parliament family. It is a pleasure to know that our own people – graduates of the translation studies program at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences – are working and training at the European Parliament in Luxembourg," Adrija shares her impressions.

"Thank you to the Faculty of Translation Studies at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences for the opportunity to participate in the competition to receive a pass to the event. I was proud to represent the master’s program in Translation, the faculty, the university, the city, and the country at the European Parliament in Luxembourg. It was a wonderful experience and an opportunity to meet like-minded people from all over Europe!"