Why plain language matters
The European Commission is committed to using plain language, as it builds trust and helps people to
- find information quickly
- get a clear picture of what the EU does, and how EU laws and decisions affect them
- understand their rights and responsibilities
- know what action to take in specific situations
- participate in democracy.
Plain language and editing at the European Commission
In an effort to make the information it provides reader-friendly, accurate and accessible, the Commission encourages authors across all departments to use plain language.
DG Translation's editing team works with authors to
- make sure texts are well structured and easy to understand
- replace jargon or technical terms with everyday words, depending on the audience
- cut unnecessary content and focus on what the reader needs to know.
All EU staff can access clear language training and subscribe to weekly emails with practical writing advice. The Commission’s annual Clear Writing Awards recognise the best examples of clear texts produced by colleagues.
Clear language contacts across the Commission meet regularly to share good practices.
We also work with other EU institutions on plain language, sharing expertise and cooperating on joint projects.
AI-based tools
We have also developed 2 AI-based tools that can make texts clearer. These are open to public administrations, small businesses, academia, non-governmental organisations, Digital Europe Programme projects and candidates for EU posts.
- WebText rewrites web content in plain language, with simple vocabulary and web-friendly formatting – available in English, French and German
- Accessible Text applies easy-to-read guidelines and uses clear, comprehensible language for all audiences – available in English only
- Think before you write
Always consider your reader – and ask yourself what you’re trying to achieve.
- Focus on the reader
Address your reader directly, answer their potential questions and include only the information they need.
- Structure your document
Help your reader to follow your logic and reasoning by organising your content clearly.
- KISS: keep it short and simple
Avoid unnecessary complexity – use shorter sentences and simple words where possible.
- Structure your sentences
Put actions in chronological order – and avoid burying important information in the middle.
- Use verbs instead of nouns
Action words make your writing clearer – consider turning nouns into verbs.
- Prefer active verbs to passive ones
The active voice is more direct and engaging – and encourages you to say who is doing what.
- Be concrete, not abstract
Clarity comes from being specific – try to use a concrete word instead of a more abstract one.
- Beware of false friends, jargon and abbreviations
Watch out for words that look similar but mean different things – and avoid or explain jargon and abbreviations.
- Revise and check
Always review and refine your work – put yourself in your reader’s shoes and check for logic and accuracy.
This year’s Translating Europe Forum will open with a morning programme dedicated to clear language. We’ll address topics such as consensus on using clear language across organisations, and clear language in the media.
Past conferences
- 2023
Supporting European democracy and transparency through clear language
- 2021
A chance to look to the future and see what we can all do to promote a clear writing culture in Europe
- 2019
Encouraging clearer communication across Europe and marking 10 years of the Commission’s clear writing campaign