Creative Europe to support around 40 projects to boost literary translation in 2026

The call Circulation of European Literary Works supports the transnational circulation and the diversity of European literary works through the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of European literary works of fiction.

With a budget of €5 million, the funding scheme supports an average of 40 projects per year.

The deadline for applications is 29 January 2026.

500 new books translated every year

Every year around 500 different titles, are translated for the first time from around 40 source languages into around 30 target languages, published, promoted, and ultimately enjoyed by readers from all over Europe.

An important aspect of the scheme is its emphasis on works written in less widely translated languages, with the aim of increasing their distribution to larger markets in Europe, and beyond.

In addition, all projects financed under this action must also take into consideration key policy priorities, such as inclusion, artists' working conditions and fair remuneration, as well as the EU's greening efforts and the digital transition.

Eligibility

Organisations from the book and publishing sector can apply individually or as a consortium of at least two eligible organisations. Each project must have a sound editorial, distribution, and promotion strategy. It also must propose a minimum of 5 eligible works of fiction written by authors who are nationals of, or residents in, or recognised as part of the literary heritage of a country participating in the Creative Europe programme.

Applicants can apply with projects of different sizes:

• Small scale: projects proposing at least 5 translations of eligible works
• Medium scale: projects proposing at least 11 translations of eligible works
• Large scale: projects proposing at least 21 translations of eligible works (only for consortia)