[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

October 15, 2025 (opens) | January 29, 2026 (deadline)

€5,000,000 total budget; around 40 projects expected to be funded; lump sum grants; typical project duration up to 3 years.

Supports translation, publication, and promotion of diverse European literary works, emphasizing less translated languages, translator support, and collaboration across the book sector.

--- ## Description This opportunity funds projects that translate, publish, distribute, and promote European works of fiction. The action aims to increase the transnational circulation and diversity of literary works, especially those written in less widely translated languages, and to promote reading and linguistic/cultural diversity. It places a strong emphasis on supporting the profession of literary translators through fair remuneration and recognition, and on fostering collaboration between authors, translators, publishers, distributors, booksellers, libraries, and literary events. Projects should align with EU priorities such as greening, digital transition, inclusion, gender equality, and international outreach. Initiatives supporting Ukrainian literature and providing books in Ukrainian to refugees are especially encouraged. Proposals should demonstrate high professional standards and best practices, particularly regarding translator contracts and visibility. --- ## Due Dates - Call opens: October 15, 2025 - Application deadline: January 29, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time - Evaluation period: February–May 2026 - Notification of results: July 2026 - Grant agreements signed: October 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Total call budget: €5,000,000 (2026) - Approximately 40 projects will be funded - Lump sum grants (CREA-LS) - Recommended: 20–30% of the budget allocated to translator remuneration - Project duration: up to 3 years --- ## Eligibility - Applicants: Legal entities (public or private) active in the book and publishing sector, including publishers, consortia, and other organizations involved in literary works. - Eligible countries: EU Member States and countries associated with the Creative Europe Programme (see [call document, section 6](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_crea-cult-2026-lit_en.pdf)) - Projects may be coordinated by a single entity or a consortium. - Activities must focus on eligible works of fiction (novels, short stories, plays, poetry, comics, etc.) and promote diversity, inclusion, and professional standards. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CREA-CULT-2026-LIT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - Prepare a proposal (Part B: max 70 pages) including work packages, deliverables, milestones, and risk assessments - Application templates, budget forms, and guidance documents are available on the portal: - [Standard application form (for reference)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/temp-form/af/af_crea-culture_en.pdf) - [Detailed budget table](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_crea-lsii_en.xlsm) - [Declaration on publications](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/temp-form/af/declaration-on-publications_crea-cult-lit_en.docx) - Evaluation criteria and award process detailed in [call document, sections 8–9](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_crea-cult-2026-lit_en.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Projects should allocate significant budget to translators and ensure their names and the source language are visible in published works. - Collaboration across the book value chain is encouraged. - Activities supporting Ukrainian literature or providing books in Ukrainian to refugees are especially welcomed. - Proposals should address EU priorities: greening, digital, inclusion, gender equality, and international dimension. - For best practices, consult the [‘Translators on the cover’ report](https://www.ceatl.eu/translators-on-the-cover) and [CEATL guidelines for fair translation contracts](https://www.ceatl.eu/guidelines-for-fair-translation-contracts). --- ## External Links - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal – Call Details](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/CREA-CULT-2026-LIT?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/crea/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_crea-cult-2026-lit_en.pdf) - [Creative Europe Programme Overview](https://ec.europa.eu/culture/creative-europe) - [Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [FAQ for Applicants](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact/Link | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | IT/Portal support | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (Commission) | +32 2 299 11 11 | For detailed questions about the call, use the [Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) or the helpdesk links above.

Circulation of European literary works

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