EU expert group on multilingualism and translation highlights the need for more recognition for translators

The EU Expert Group on Multilingualism and Translation has published its report on the role of translators for the cultural and creative sectors and proposed recommendations to improve the translators' working conditions and professional developments. They focus on literary translation, but also give key recommendations for the audio-visual and theatre sectors. The report recommends making the translation profession more attractive by providing more training opportunities for translators, reinforcing their (professional) associations and improving remuneration and working conditions through the opportunities offered by the new Digital Single Market Directive.

The experts also suggest how public institutions can stimulate the translation and promotion of European books. Finally, the report encourages national public institutions to engage in more cooperation at a European level, for instance through multi-country book promotion activities and a harmonized approach to data collection.

Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, said: "Translators have a pivotal role in enabling broader access to European cultural and creative content. They are indispensable for the circulation of cultural work in Europe. This report shows that they need greater visibility and recognition. I look forward to working with member states to see how, collectively, we can help the book sector to propose fair remuneration to authors and translators and at the same time offer even more linguistic diversity to European readers."

The Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 states that "in a multilingual environment, translation is key to enabling broader access to European content”. Based on this, the Council of the EU mandated a group of EU experts to assess existing support mechanisms for translation, discuss best practices, and provide concrete recommendations. With Creative Europe, the Commission supports the translation and the circulation of books with dedicated financial support, and assistance to cooperation and capacity-building projects, such as CELA. For more information, please consult this news item.

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