On International Plain Language Day, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Translation (DG Translation) takes a significant step to enhance the clarity of public communication. The commission has established 10 principles aimed at simplifying language and improving message comprehension in its documents. This initiative stems from the understanding that effective communication begins with clear, understandable information, as emphasized by the Directorate-General EU Translation Centre.

Adhering to the guideline of using 15-20 words per sentence, the principles emphasize brevity and precision, which are crucial for reducing misinterpretation and increasing engagement. In the pursuit of clear messaging, DG Translation supports the European Commission’s broader objective to ensure that every message is impactful and easily digestible. According to DG Translation, applying these principles makes each communication effort more meaningful and effective. Furthermore, there's a growing recognition of the need for clarity in public information discussions, notably at events such as the Translating Europe Forum.

Recently, the European Commission has also developed two AI-based tools, WebText and Accessible Text, to further aid in creating clearer content. Although these tools were launched without specific dates or details in the report, they represent a focused application of technology towards enhancing text accessibility and clarity. Such advancements are in line with the principles outlined by the DG Translation, underlining that technology can support linguistic precision and simplicity.

Taken together, these developments underscore the European Commission’s commitment to clear communication. By embracing these guidelines and technological tools, the commission aims to make public texts less ambiguous and more accessible to a wider audience—ensuring that information is not only delivered, but also understood.