For our 50 Stories in 50 Weeks series, we introduce Eva Bodor, an interpreter whose career has taken her everywhere from international conferences to courts, tribunals, EU institutions and high-stakes patent litigation.
One of her most memorable assignments took place in a location few ever enter:
“Working inside the ‘Torentje’, the Dutch Prime Minister’s tiny office.”
She calls it a surreal moment – interpreting at the heart of Dutch political life, in a room that is both small and historically significant.
But the assignment she loved most wasn’t about politics or litigation. It was the time she coached at the Cambridge Conference Interpreters Course, helping shape the next generation of interpreters. For someone with her mix of precision and personality, it was a perfect fit.
When asked about her interpreting style, Eva puts it simply:
“Faithful but with panache.”
Accurate, loyal to the speaker, yet delivered with flair.
Eva believes the magic of interpreting lies in something deeply human:
“We are not machines but we do need to be fed with information.”
Preparation allows interpreters to bring clarity where it matters most.
And the moments she feels most valuable?
“When I can help people truly understand each other.”
Looking ahead, she sees human interpreting evolving, not disappearing:
“It may return to its origins: high-level and highly confidential meetings.”
Places where trust, nuance and discretion cannot be automated.
We’re proud to celebrate Eva’s contribution to Congrestolken’s 50-year story.
Lees de 50 verhalen uit ons 50 jarig jubileum hier vanaf het begin.