The materials in this book give the theoretical background to the issue of language policy, and multilingualism in the European Union legislation. It also describes the main linguistic features of purely legal texts in comparison to EU law texts. In particular, reference is made to some highly significant European Union, and World Organisation documents such as:

Council of the European Union / Resolutions, Presidency Conclusions and Decisions, European Union Treaties / Rule of Law , United Nations-Security Council Resolutions , World Organisation / Amnesty International, and The World Trade Organisation.

Emphasis is placed on the need for clarity, and simplicity in legal writing. Much of the work done to ensure clearer language stems from the translation service, whose ''Fight the Fog'' campaign has been active for several years. The distinct style of language which is used in Community legislation is often different from the style, and traditions of national legislation, so as to avoid favouring any particular legal or national culture, to create a style, and a tradition specific to the European Union in all its official languages.

Reference is also made to two important themes in the translation of EU instruments-documents the illusory notions of equality and equivalence.

A selection of key EU technical terms and explanations of their meanings is provided at the end of the book.