Circulation of European Literary Works

The Creative Europe Programme supports initiatives for the translation and promotion of European literary works. Its aim is to increase the transnational circulation and diversity of European literature by encouraging the translation and distribution of books written in less widely used languages. The list of eligible languages includes all officially recognized languages in the EU Member States, except for English, German, French, Spanish (Castilian), and Italian.

One of the key goals of the Creative Europe Programme is to help European literary works reach new audiences, both within and beyond the EU.

The Literary Translation action offers funding to publishers to support the translation, promotion, and distribution of literary works. Each application must include at least five eligible fiction works. Applicants may also propose business-to-business export activities that enhance the sales of translation rights within Europe and beyond.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to publishing and book sector organizations. Individuals are not eligible to apply. Eligible applicants are publishers or publishing houses that are legally established and have the status of a legal entity in one of the countries participating in the Culture strand of the Creative Europe programme. Natural persons (individuals) are not eligible to apply for this grant.

Project categories:
There are three categories of projects according to their size:

Small scale: projects that propose the translation of at least 5 books can receive up to 100,000 euros
Medium scale: projects that propose the translation of at least 10 books can receive up to 200,000 euros
Large scale: projects that propose the translation of at least 21 books can receive up to 300,000 euros (requires a consortium of at least two entities)

The total budget allocated to the competition is €5,000,000, and it is expected to fund approximately 40 projects. The co-financing rate is 60%, and the maximum project duration is 36 months.

Mandatory Project Requirements

Translation, publication, and distribution of a package of 5 to 21 literary works;
A clear strategy for the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of the selected works;
Maximum project duration: 36 months;
The selected literary works must originate from countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme;
The selected works must not have been previously translated into the target language of the proposal.

Actions eligible for funding include translation, publication, and distribution of literary works, as well as activities related to specific themes and priorities of the programme.

Applicants must submit all required documents as specified in the electronic application forms through the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System.

Full details of the programme, including the complete guidelines and other relevant information, are available here.

Additional information about circulation of European literary works within the Culture strand of the Creative Europe Programme can be found here.

More detailed information about the application process and general procedures will be available for each call on the website of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, in the calls section, as well as on the website and social media pages of the Creative Europe Desk Armenia.