Creative Europe Circulation of European literary works: up to €300,000 for publishers to translate and publish European literature, Ukraine eligible, apply by 27 January 2027

The European Commission, through the Creative Europe Programme managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), has published a call for proposals to support the circulation of European literary works. The call aims to fund the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of diverse literary genres across eligible territories, including the European Union and Ukraine.

Financial support is provided as co-funding covering up to 60% of total eligible costs, with maximum grant amounts ranging from €100,000 to €300,000 depending on the volume of translated works. The total budget allocated for this call is €5 million, supporting an estimated 40 projects. The application deadline is set for 27 January 2027.

What is funded

The call covers activities related to the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of European literature. Supported literary formats include novels, short stories, plays, poetry, reportage, comics, and children’s books.

Funding tiers depend on the scale of the literary package proposed. Projects proposing at least 5 works can receive up to €100,000, proposals including at least 11 works can secure up to €200,000, and larger packages of at least 21 works are eligible for up to €300,000.

Who can apply

Eligibility is open to legal entities active in the publishing and book sector. This includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cultural institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and commercial businesses.

Applicants can submit proposals as individual entities or as a consortium of two legal partners. The call is open to entities established in European Union member states and Ukraine.

Conditions and requirements

Selected projects can have an implementation duration of up to 36 months. Grants are provided on a co-funding basis, with the European Commission covering up to 60% of total project costs, requiring the beneficiaries to cover the remainder.

Single entities may apply for the first two funding tiers covering 5 or 11 works. In contrast, the largest tier of up to €300,000 for 21 or more works is open exclusively to consortia of two organizations.

Practical tip. Assess your organization’s distribution and translation pipeline before choosing a funding tier. If planning to submit for the highest funding tier of 21 works or more, secure a complementary consortium partner well ahead of time to divide project management and editorial duties effectively.

How to apply

Proposals must be registered and submitted electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants must verify their organization’s legal status and outline the portfolio of literary works selected for translation and dissemination.

The application portal accepts submissions until the official call deadline on 27 January 2027. The donor does not specify further detailed application requirements in the provided summary.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ec.europa.eu.