29.09.06 Overtaal signs two-year contract with Eurojust for language training services

Founded in 2002 and currently located in The Hague, Eurojust (www.eurojust.eu.int) is a European body dedicated to improving judicial cooperation. Eurojust promotes and facilitates the coordination of legal investigations and proceedings.

The College of Eurojust is made up of 25 National Members, which are nominated by their respective Member States. The National Members work as senior, experienced lawyers, public prosecuters or judges. Some receive support from Deputies and Assistants.

In June of this year, Eurojust invited open tendering for language training services in English, French, Dutch as a second language and possibly other languages. The official language at Eurojust is English. Although all Eurojust employees are highly proficient in the English language, they sometimes require training in particular areas, such as legal English.

Most of the employees live in the Netherlands on a temporary basis and leave the country again after an average stay of five years. Eurojust feels that it is its duty to help its employees maintain their language proficiency, improve their communication skills and become assimilated into their new home country.

As is the case with other European open tenders, the candidates were subjected to a tough selection procedure. In late August, Overtaal was relieved to hear that it had emerged as the best bidder and has since signed the contract with Eurojust. Arrangements can now be made for the first language training courses.