The Conference of Integration Ministers calls for legal frameworks for language mediation in all social benefits.

Social organizations, medical associations, and those working in refugee social services have long been calling for binding regulations governing the financing of language interpretation services. The unclear situation also hampers the work of our psychosocial centers, delaying or even preventing urgently needed assistance.

The most recent Conference of Integration Ministers, held in Essen in April 2026, has reaffirmed these demands. It unanimously states:

1. The IntMK affirms that language mediation is an indispensable tool for effectively supporting integration processes from the outset through successful communication. Successful communication provides security for all involved. The IntMK sees an urgent need for action in the entire field of language mediation and the necessity of creating reliable and standardized structures for the sustainable and needs-based use of language mediation services.

2. The IntMK therefore reiterates its demand for clear legal regulations regarding the entitlement to and financing of language interpretation services in all social benefits, and for the federal government to cover the costs. Furthermore, quality standards and clear framework conditions must be established.
   
3. In this context, the IntMK advocates the establishment of a network of local and nationwide interpreting services with trained interpreters, from which personal, video and telephone interpreting services can be requested at short notice with minimal organizational effort.
   
4. The IntMK asks the federal government to examine how the use of AI can be used to support the implementation of a right to language mediation.

The full resolutions of the 21st Conference of Integration Ministers can be found here.