Since 2016, the sign language interpreting profession in Europe has seen many changes. Although the majority of the countries still experience a lack of sign language interpreters, the number of training programs and working sign language interpreters has increased.

There is also more focus on quality control, for example, through the establishment of registration bodies that monitor the interpreter’s qualification. In addition, interpreters further their skills through continuous professional development activities. Peer-to-peer mentoring is rare but mentoring for interpreting students is provided and professional interpreters enroll in advanced classes or attend for example post-graduate programs. Overall, continuing professional development is seen as an important part of the individual interpreter’s development, and of the profession as a whole.

Sign language recognition and accessibility through sign language appear to be higher on the agenda in Europe. Only two EU member states have not recognized yet their national sign language(s): Bulgaria and Italy. It has been ten years since the EU ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the EU must further implement the UNCRP in all EU member states, which among other things, states the right to professional sign language interpreting services.

The right to sign language interpreting services is not implemented uniformly across Europe. In some countries an interpreter is guaranteed at all times and in many others, it depends on the setting and the purpose if interpreting services are provided. In several countries the quality of the service is seriously affected by new administrative policies and bidding processes.

The legal right to an interpreter still does not provide full access to education, justice, employment, healthcare, and leisure activities. Adequate accessibility requires qualified, trained, and properly remunerated sign language interpreters. Governments should acknowledge and support the training of sign language interpreters and encourage further specialization, for example, in educational and legal settings. Furthermore, proper remuneration is essential to retain the current qualified interpreters and encourage others to become trained.

The 2020 survey shows that many countries are implementing policies that help drive better access for signers through sign language interpreting services. Yet there is still a long way to go.