COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 28.07.1995 
COM(95) 374 final 
94/0189 (COD) 
Amended proposal-for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION 
establishing a support programme 
in the field of books and reading through translation 
ARIANE 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) 

Explanatory memorandum 
Ariane 
Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support 
programme in the field of books and reading through translation (Ariane). 
1. On 27 July 1994 the Commission presented a proposal for a European Parliament and 
Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading 
through translation (Ariane) (COM 94/0356 - 94/0188 COD).1 
On 7 April 1995 Parliament adopted a legislative resolution2 approving the 
Commission's proposal subject to the amendments it had made. 
The amended proposal set out here incorporates the amendments accepted by the 
Commission. Most of them have been taken as they stood, but in some cases the 
Commission, while subscribing to the underlying ideas behind the amendments, has 
clarified their scope or reformulated them slightly. For instance it has agreed to 
Parliament's suggestion for a detailed evaluation report but would like it to cover two 
full years and to be submitted to the Committee for its opinion. 
The amendments accepted either improve the wording of the proposal, clarify various 
elements or add new ones (such as the amendment laying down more flexible 
eligibility criteria under the programme for works written in more widely used 
languages by authors from smaller countries, e.g. English in Ireland). 
In the case of a very small number of amendments the Commission was unable to 
accept all or part of Parliament's changes for the following reasons: 
* either because they went beyond the scope and purpose of the proposal and/or 
could not be included at this stage owing to the budgetary constraints on the 
OJNoC 324, 22.11.1994, p. 11. 
EP 189 075 (95.04.07). 
programme (e.g. creation of a database of books available on the market); 
or because the Commission took the wording agreed under interinstitutional 
agreements or followed the current rules on committee procedures; 
or because they would amount to the addition of new conditions or criteria 
which, if implemented, would affect the programme's general thrust whereby 
cultural criteria (such as the quality of works) take precedence over all others 
(e.g. the amendment aiming to give priority to publishers who have not 
previously received Community grants for translation.) 
Finally the Commission has aligned its text on the amendments requested by 
Parliament. A list of the amendments incorporated in the amended proposal and/or 
rejected is attached. 
ARIANE 
1. Amendments by Parliament incorporated in the Commission's amended proposal 
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-10-11-12-13-15-18-19-20-22-23-24-29-30-31-32-33-36-37-46-43 
2. Amendments accepted in part or incorporated in essence 
16-26-28-41 
Explanation 
16: incorporated in part; the Cornmission prefers, not to incorporate the last part 
of the amendment, since it gives incorrect information 
26: incorporated in essence in the recitals 
28: second part incorporated; as for the first part, the Commission wants 
evaluation to cover the first two full years and to be submitted to the 
Committee for its opinion 
41: incorporated in part, excluding the explicit reference to the Luxembourg 
Centre, which it does not consider appropriate. 
3. Amendments rejected 
9-14-21-45-27-34-35-38-48-40 
Grounds 
9: outside the scope of the programme; these aspects will be dealt with in the 
report on the cultural dimension announced by the Commission (COM/94/0356 
final). 
14: outside the scope of the programme and cannot be envisaged on the basis of 
Article 128 
21: the formula used is taken from the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 March 
1995 
45: committee procedure 
27: committee procedure 
34: Community grants are intended, in this instance, solely to support translation 
- in other words translators' fees, which are clearly identifiable - and not 
publication or distribution 
35: the choice of works, by a panel of independent experts, must be based on the 
quality of the works translated 
38: cannot be covered by the programme because of the budgetary constraints on 
Ariane 
48: outside the scope of the programme; although this is an important matter, it 
cannot be covered at thé present stage because of the budgetary constraints on 
Ariane 
40: this question falls outside the scope of the programme but, as far as the 
cultural dimension is concerned, it could be considered under the appropriate 
Community programmes. 
Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
COUNCIL DECISION 
establishing a support programme in the 
field of books and reading Amended proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
COUNCIL DECISION 
establishing a support programme in the 
field of books and reading through 
translation 
94/0189 (COD) 
ARIANE 
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular Article 128 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions, 94/0189 (COD) 
ARIANE 
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular Article 128 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions, 
Whereas in Greek mythology Ariadne gave 
Theseus the thread with which he found 
his way out of the labyrinth and the Ariane 
programme might therefore be the thread 
with which people could acquire better 
knowledge of the history and culture of 
each of the Member States, and especially 
of the countries with less widelv known 
languages; 
Whereas the Treaty entrusts 
Commission with the task of: Whereas culture and cultural life are 
essential to the development and influence 
of the European Union: 
the Whereas the Treaty entrusts 
Commission with the task of: the 
contributing to the flowering of the 
cultures of the Member States, while 
respecting their national and regional 
diversity, 
encouraging cooperation between 
Member States and, if necessary, 
supporting and supplementing their contributing to the flowering of the 
cultures of the Member States, while 
respecting their national and regional 
diversity, 
encouraging cooperation between 
Member States and, if necessary, 
supporting and supplementing their 
action, particularly as regards artistic 
and literary creation, 
fostering cooperation with third 
countries and the competent 
international organizations in the 
sphere of culture, and in particular the 
Council of Europe; action, particularly as regards artistic 
and literary creation, 
fostering cooperation with third 
countries and the competent 
international organizations in the 
sphere of culture, and in particular the 
Council of Europe and UNESCO: 
Whereas access to culture helps Europeans 
to understand and respect one another and 
fosters the development of a European 
citizenship: 
Whereas in the age of the information 
society books are still one of the principal 
media for the dissemination of knowledge: 
Whereas the complementary relationship 
between books and audiovisual technology 
must be taken into account: 
Whereas although literary translations are 
of great importance, other measures to 
promote books and reading also need to be 
encouraged, as recommended by the 
European Parliament (Gutenberg 
programme) in its resolution of 21 January 
1993 on promoting books and reading in 
Europe :(1) 
Whereas any Community programme in 
the field of books needs to take account of 
their dual nature as both an economic and 
a cultural good: 
Whereas Community programmes in the 
field of education and culture must 
contribute to encouraging reading as a 
leisure pursuit of particular importance: 
Whereas the family, in the first place, and 
schools, in the second, should remain the 
principal places for the learning and 
encouragement of reading, thereby 
guaranteeing equal access to books for all: 
Whereas it is important to distinguish, in 
the book production chain, between 
creation, publishing, translation and 
dissemination and the Ariane programme 
Whereas promoting translation contributes 
to knowledge and dissemination of the 
culture and history of the European 
peoples, to maintaining the diversity of 
literary creation and the literary heritage 
expressed in the various national and 
regional languages, and to intercultural 
exchanges and to promoting the access of 
citizens - and in particular the less-
favoured ones - to culture; must be viewed as a first step towards a 
Community policy to promote books: 
Whereas promoting translation contributes 
to knowledge and dissemination of the 
culture and history of the European 
peoples, to maintaining the diversity of 
literary creation and the literary heritage 
expressed in the various national and 
regional languages, and to intercultural 
exchanges and to promoting the access of 
citizens - and in particular the less-
favoured ones - to culture; 
Whereas it is necessary to encourage high-
quality translation of literary works within 
the Community, in particular by advanced 
training in this field; Whereas in the absence of translation, 
many literary treasures remain inaccessible 
to those without a command of the 
language in which they are published: 
Whereas it is necessary to encourage high-
quality translation of literary works within 
the Community, in particular by advanced 
training in this field; 
Whereas, in order to achieve the desired 
aim, it is essential that professionals in the 
field covered by this programme be kept 
informed; 
Whereas the Community institutions have 
recognized the importance of knowledge 
and dissemination of literary works, by 
means of translation in particular, as is 
apparent from: 
the resolution of the Council and of 
the Ministers responsible for Cultural 
Affairs, meeting within the Council, of 
9 November 1987 on the promotion of 
translation of important works of 
European culture, 
- the resolution of the Council and the 
Ministers responsible for Cultural 
Affairs, meeting within the Council, cf Whereas European literary prizes provide 
an important stimulus to reading and 
whereas the introduction of a prize for 
television programmes on books might 
have a major impact; 
Whereas the Community institutions have 
recognized the importance of knowledge 
and dissemination of literary works, by 
means of translation in particular, as is 
apparent from: 
the resolution of the Council and of 
the Ministers responsible for Cultural 
Affairs, meeting within the Council, of 
9 November 1987 on the promotion of 
translation of important works of 
European culture,(2) 
the resolution of the Council and the 
Ministers responsible for Cultural 
Affairs, meeting within the Council, 
9 
18 May 1989 concerning 
promotion of books and reading, the 
the Parliament resolution on promoting 
books and reading in Europe, 
the conclusions of the Council and the 
Ministers of Culture meeting within 
the Council of 12 November 1992 on 
guidelines for Community cultural 
action, 
the resolution of the Council and the 
Ministers meeting within the Council 
of 17 May 1993 on the promotion of 
the translation of contemporary 
European dramatic works; 
Whereas the Commission's 
Communication of 27 July 1994 on 
'European Community action in support of 
culture', which makes books and reading 
a priority area, sets out the framework for 
incentive measures to support and 
complement the efforts of Member States, 
while respecting the principle of 
subsidiarity; of 18 May 1989 concerning the 
promotion of books and reading,{3) 
the Commission communication of 3 
August 1989 on 'Books and reading: A 
cultural challenge for Europe' : 
the Parliament resolutions of 10 July 
1987 on the European dimension with 
regard to books (4) and of 21 January 
1993 on promoting books and reading 
in Europe ;(5) 
- the conclusions of the Council and the 
Ministers of Culture meeting within 
the Council of 12 November 1992 on 
guidelines for Community cultural 
action,(6) 
the resolution of the Council and the 
Ministers meeting within the Council 
of 17 May 1993 on the promotion of 
the translation of contemporary 
European dramatic works ;(7) 
Whereas a number of resolutions have 
been adopted at the conferences of 
professionals in the field held as part of 
the awareness-raising campaign to promote 
books and reading, launched at the 
initiative of the Commission and of the 
Council of Europe; 
Whereas, in spite of the priority which the 
Community authorities have given to 
promoting books and reading, the limited 
funds allocated to it are not sufficient to 
give material effect in the immediate 
future to a comprehensive book promotion 
policy; 
Whereas the Commission's 
Communication of 27 July 1994 on 
'European Community action in support of 
culture', which makes books and reading 
a priority area, sets out the framework for 
incentive measures to support and 
complement the efforts of Member States, 
while respecting the principle of 
subsidiarity; 
<3 
Whereas, in the initial phase, Community 
measures to promote books and reading 
are centred on the translation of literature 
and drama and reference works in the 
cultural field, accompanied by support 
measures in both the preparatory and 
follow-up stages, Whereas, in the initial phase, Community 
measures to promote books and reading 
are centred on the translation of literature 
and drama and reference works in the 
cultural field, accompanied by support 
measures in both the preparatory and 
follow-up stages, 
Whereas a modus vivendi was agreed on 
20 January 1994 between the European 
Parliament, the Council and the 
Commission as regards measures to 
implement acts adopted in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Article 189b of 
the EC Treaty: 
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 Article 1 
The Community shall set out from 1996 an 
action programme to promote knowledge 
and dissemination of European artistic and 
literary creation, notably by means of 
translation (the Ariane programme), 
hereinafter referred to as 'the programme'. 
Article 2 
The aims of the programme shall be as 
follows: The Community shall set out from 1996 an 
action programme to promote knowledge 
and dissemination of European artistic and 
literary creation, notably by means of 
translation (the Ariane programme), 
hereinafter referred to as 'the programme'. 
Article 2 
The aims of the programme shall be as 
follows: 
to encourage wider dissemination of 
works of contemporary literature that 
are representative of the culture of the 
Member States, giving priority to 
translations of works in the lesser-
known languages of the Community 
and promoting them through 
emblematic measures; to encourage wider dissemination of 
works of contemporary literature that 
are representative of the culture of the 
Member States, giving priority to 
translations of works in the lesser-
known languages which are official or 
indigenous languages in the Member 
States of the European Union and 
promoting them through emblematic 
measures; 
to contribute by means of translation to 
the dissemination of contemporary 
drama, to offer European audiences a 
varied repertoire that is representative 
of the cultures of the Member States; to contribute by means of translation to 
the dissemination of contemporary 
drama, to offer European audiences a 
varied repertoire that is representative 
of the cultures of the Member States; 
to foster the dissemination of reference 
works with a view to promoting to foster the dissemination of reference 
works with a view to promoting 
JJO 
knowledge of the culture and history 
of the European peoples, particularly 
in the areas referred to in 
Article 128(2) and (4) of the Treaty; 
to support and complement efforts at 
national and regional level with a 
series of measures at Community level 
relating in particular to cooperation in 
the form of networks and partnerships, 
initial and further training, and 
research. knowledge of the culture and history 
of the European peoples, particularly 
in the areas referred to in 
Article 128(2) and (4) of the Treaty; 
to support and complement efforts at 
national and regional level with a 
series of measures at Community level 
relating in particular to cooperation in 
the form of networks and partnerships, 
initial and further training, and 
research. 
Article 3 Article 3 
The activities described in the Annex shall 
be carried out in pursuit of the aims set 
out in Article 2. They shall be 
implemented according to the procedure 
laid down in Article 6. The activities described in the Annex shall 
be carried out in pursuit of the aims set 
out in Article 2. They shall be 
implemented according to the procedure 
laid down in Article 6. 
Article 4 Article 4 
In carrying out the programme the 
Community and the Member States shall 
foster cooperation with non-member 
countries and cooperation with competent 
international organizations in the cultural 
sphere, and in particular the Council of 
Europe; every care shall be taken in 
relations with the latter to avoid 
duplication and ensure the 
complementarity of the measures 
proposed, while respecting the identity and 
autonomy of each institution and 
organization. 
Specific arrangements are set out in the 
Annex for opening up the programme to 
the countries of Central and Eastern 
Europe that have signed and ratified 
association agreements with the European 
Community containing a clause on cultural 
affairs. In carrying out the programme the 
Community and the Member States shall 
foster cooperation with non-member 
countries and with the Council of Europe 
and other competent international 
organizations in the cultural sphere, such 
as UNESCO: every care shall be taken in 
relations with the latter to avoid 
duplication and ensure the 
complementarity of the measures 
proposed, while respecting the identity and 
autonomy of each institution and 
organization. 
Specific arrangements are set out in the 
Annex for opening up the programme to 
the European countries deemed to fulfil the 
conditions for accession to the European 
Union (Cyprus and Malta), the countries 
which have signed the Agreement on the 
European Economic Area and the 
countries of Central and Eastern Europe 
that have signed and ratified association or 
cooperation agreements with the European 
Community containing a clause on cultural 
affairs. 
Special attention shall also be paid in the Special attention shall also be paid in the 
M 
framework of the relations of the 
Community and the Member States with 
third countries to particular countries that 
intend to make translation a priority area 
in their cultural cooperation programme. 
Article 5 framework of the relations of the 
Community and the Member States with 
third Countries to particular countries that 
intend to make translation a priority area 
in their cultural cooperation programme. 
Articles 
The Commission shall be responsible for 
implementing the programme. For the 
purpose of carrying out that task, the 
Commission shall be assisted by the 
Advisory Committee for the incentive 
measures in the cultural field laid down in 
Article 5 of Decision ... of ... concerning 
the Kaleidoscope 2000 programme. 
Article 6 The Commission shall be responsible for 
implementing the programme. For the 
purpose of carrying out that task, the 
Commission shall be assisted by the 
Advisory Committee for the incentive 
measures in the cultural field laid down in 
Article 5 of Decision ... of ... concerning 
the Kaleidoscope 2000 programme. 
Article 6 
The representative of the Commission 
shall submit to the Committee a draft of 
the measures to be taken. The Committee 
shall deliver its opinion on the draft within 
a time limit which the Chairman may lay 
down according to the urgency of the 
matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The representative of the Commission 
shall submit to the Committee a draft of 
the measures to be taken. The Committee 
shall deliver its opinion on the draft within 
a time limit which the Chairman may lay 
down according to the urgency of the 
matter, where appropriate by taking a 
vote. 
The opinion shall be recorded in the 
minutes; in addition each Member State 
shall have the right to ask for its position 
to be recorded in the minutes. The opinion shall be recorded in the 
minutes; in addition each Member State 
shall have the right to ask for its position 
to be recorded in the minutes. 
The Commission shall take the utmost 
account of the opinion delivered by the 
Committee. It shall inform the Committee 
of the manner in which its opinion has 
been taken into account. The Commission shall take the utmost 
account of the opinion delivered by the 
Committee. It shall inform the Committee 
of the manner in which its opinion has 
been taken into account. 
Article 7 Articled 
After the programme has been in operation 
for two years, and within six months of 
that period, the Commission, having 
consulted the Committee referred to in 
Article 5, shall present a report on the 
result achieved to the European Parliament 
and the Council, and, where necessary, 
make appropriate proposals. After the programme has been in operation 
for two years, and within six months of 
that period, the Commission, having 
consulted the Committee referred to in 
Article 5, shall present a detailed report on 
the result achieved to the European 
Parliament and the Council, and, where 
necessary, make appropriate proposals. 
This report shall place particular emphasis 
on the synergies developed bv the Member 
At. 
On the expiry of the programme, the 
Commission, acting in accordance with the 
procedure set out in Article 6, shall submit 
a report to the European Parliament and 
the Council on the implementation and 
results of the programme. 
Article 8 States and the improved dissemination of 
literature in the less widelv used 
languages. 
On the expiry of the programme, the 
Commission, acting in accordance with the 
procedure set out in Article 6, shall submit 
a report to the European Parliament and 
the Council on the implementation and 
results of the programme. 
Article 8 
The programme, containing the practical 
information on the organizational 
structures at national level able to provide 
technical assistance for cultural projects, 
the deadlines for submitting applications 
and the documentation which must 
accompany the request, shall be published 
annually in the 'C' series of the Official 
Journal of the European Communities. 
Article 9 The programme, containing the practical 
information on the organizational 
structures at national level able to provide 
technical assistance for cultural projects, 
the deadlines for submitting applications 
and the documentation which must 
accompany the request, shall be published 
annually in the 'C series of the Official 
Journal of the European Communities. 
Article 9 
This Decision shall enter into force on the 
20th day following that of its publication 
in the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. This Decision shall enter into force on the 
20th day following that of its publication 
in the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. 
Article 10 Article 10 
This Decision is addressed to the Member 
States. Deleted 
Done at Brussels, Done at Brussels, 
For the European Parliament 
The President For the European Parliament 
The President 
For the Council 
The President For the Council 
The President 
^ 
ANNEX ANNEX 
Community support programme in the 
field of books and reading Community support programme in the 
field of books and reading through 
translation 
Incentive measures under the Ariane 
programme 
The incentive measures are set out below 
together with a brief indication of how 
they are to be applied. The practical 
arrangements will be finalized later, in 
accordance with the procedure provided 
for in Article 6. Incentive measures under the Ariane 
programme 
The incentive measures are set out below 
together with a brief indication of how 
they are to be applied. The practical 
arrangements will be finalized later, in 
accordance with the procedure provided 
for in Article 6. 
Section I. Promotion and circulation Section I. Promotion and circulation 
1. Translation grants 
(a) Grants for the translation of works of 
contemporary literature to ensure 
through wider dissemination 
publication 
Grants are provided for the translation of 
works of contemporary literature (novels, 
short stories, literary essays, literary 
histories, biographies, plays, poetry) that 
are representative of the culture of their 
country of origin and likely to appeal to a 
broad European audience. 
Contemporary literature shall be taken to 
mean literature published for the first time 
in the 20th century, with priority being 
given to works published for the first time 
since 1945. In exceptional cases, literary 
works published at the end of the 
19th century will be eligible. 
In order to qualify, works must already 
have been translated and published in two 
Community languages (in addition to the 
original language). The grant is to 
subsidize translation into two additional 
languages. 
In order to give priority to less well-
known languages, works written in these 
languages can be directly eligible for a 1. Translation grants 
(a) Grants for the translation of works of 
contemporary literature to ensure 
wider dissemination through 
publication 
Grants are provided for the translation of 
works of contemporary literature (novels, 
short stories, literary essays, literary 
histories, biographies, plays, poetry) that 
are representative of the culture of their 
country of origin and likely to appeal to a 
broad European audience. 
Contemporary literature shall be taken to 
mean literature published for the first time 
in the 20th century, with priority being 
given to works published for the first time 
since 1945. In exceptional cases, literary 
works published at the end of the 
19th century will be eligible. 
In order to qualify, works must already 
have been translated and published in two 
languages which are official or indigenous 
languages in the Member States of the 
Union (in addition to the 
In order to give priority to less well-
known languages, works written in these 
languages can be directly eligible for a 
^ 
grant to subsidize translation into two 
additional Community languages, without 
having been previously translated into 
other Community languages. 
Grants are also provided for the translation 
of works whose publication on the 
European market is not regarded as viable 
without a Community subsidy. 
Grant applications must be sent by one or 
more publishers from a Community 
Member State to the Commission -
Cultural Unit (200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 
Brussels). The application submitted by the 
publisher(s) must include the agreement of 
the translator(s). The grant may cover up 
to 100% of the translator's fee negotiated 
according to the usual market practice. 
The publisher must undertake clearly to 
acknowledge the translator and the 
Commission contribution. grant to subsidize translation into two 
additional Community languages which are 
official or indigenous languages in the 
Member states of the European Union, 
without having been previously translated 
into other Community languages. 
Works written in the most widelv used 
Community languages by authors from 
smaller countries (e.g. English from 
Ireland or French from Luxembourg) may 
be eligible for a translation grant without 
having been previously translated into two 
other languages. 
Grants are also provided for the translation 
of works whose publication on the 
European market is not regarded as viable 
without a Community subsidy. 
In this connection, it is important to 
consider giving special support to works 
produced by young authors and to new 
writers in general. Similarly, applications 
from small independent publishing 
companies should be given preference in 
order to ensure better representation of the 
diversity of literary works. 
Grant applications must be sent by one or 
more publishers from a Community 
Member State to the Commission -
Cultural Unit (200 rue de la Loi, B-1049 
Brussels). The application submitted by the 
publisher(s) must include the agreement of 
the translator(s). The grant may cover up 
to 100% of the translator's fee negotiated 
according to the usual market practice. 
The publisher must undertake clearly to 
acknowledge the translator and the 
Commission contribution. 
The publishers must state that they hold 
any rights to the publication and/or 
translation of the work which is the subject 
of the application. The publishers must state that they hold 
any rights to the publication and/or 
translation of the work which is the subject 
of the application. 
yt$-
The works will be selected twice a year on 
the basis of the following priorities: 
- the work's literary merit 
- the promotion and circulation of the 
literature of Community countries and 
in particular works in less well-known 
languages. 
(b) Grants for the translation of works of 
drama with a view to wider 
dissemination through public 
performances 
Grants are made for the translation of 
works of drama that have already been 
performed on stage or broadcast in the 
audiovisual media and have already 
received some critical and popular 
acclaim. The works will be selected twice a year on 
the basis of the following priorities: 
- the work's literary merit 
- the promotion and circulation of the 
literature of Community countries and 
in particular works in less well-known 
languages. 
(b) Grants for the translation of works of 
drama with a view to wider 
through public dissemination 
performances 
Grants are made for the translation of 
works of drama that have already been 
performed on stage or broadcast in the 
audiovisual media and have already 
received some critical and popular 
acclaim. 
Priority will be given to contemporary 
works written since 1945. Priority will be given to contemporary 
works written since 1945. 
The works nominated must already have 
been translated into at least two languages; 
at least one of the translations must be 
based on a specific plan for a public 
performance. 
The initial application must be submitted 
by managers, directors or producers from 
a Community Member State with a view to 
staging a public performance of the play. 
The application must be made 
simultaneously to the Community and to 
the liaison offices which must issue an 
opinion on whether or not the works 
nominated qualify as priorities. 
The final selection of works to be 
translated will be made on the basis above 
all of the quality of the works nominated. 
As concerns the choice of the translations, 
a balance will be ensured between the 
translations into widely-known languages 
and the one into less well-known 
languages, to increase the chances of the 
works reaching a large and diverse The works nominated must already have 
been translated into at least two languages; 
at least one of the translations must be 
based on a specific plan for a public 
performance. 
The initial application must be submitted 
by managers, directors or producers from 
a Community Member State with a view to 
staging a public performance of the play. 
The application must be made 
simultaneously to the Community and to 
the liaison offices which must issue an 
opinion on whether or not the works 
nominated qualify as priorities. 
The final selection of- works to be 
translated will be made on the basis above 
all of the quality of the works nominated. 
As concerns the choice of the translations, 
a balance will be ensured between the 
translations into widely-known languages 
and the one into less well-known 
languages, to increase the chances of the 
works reaching a large and diverse 
At> 
audience. audience. 
The subsidy will take the form of a 
translation grant of up to ECU 3 500. It in 
no way affects any royalties that might be 
due the authors or translators in connection 
with the performance, broadcast or 
publication of the translated work. 
The liaison offices will act as the 
depositaries of the translations completed 
with the Commission's assistance and must 
ensure that the translations are given only 
to those interested in performing, 
broadcasting or publishing the work and 
having to this end obtained the agreement 
of the rights holders. This provision 
applies mutatis mutandis to the people 
referred to above. The subsidy will take the form of a 
translation grant of up to ECU 3 500. It in 
no way affects any royalties that might be 
due the authors or translators in connection 
with the performance, broadcast or 
publication of the translated work. 
The liaison offices will act as the 
depositaries of the translations completed 
with the Commission's assistance and must 
ensure that the translations are given only 
to those interested in performing, 
broadcasting or publishing the work and 
having to this end obtained the agreement 
of the rights holders. This provision 
applies mutatis mutandis to the people 
referred to above. 
(c) Grants for the translation of reference 
works with a view to wider 
dissemination of information between 
the professionals and the competent 
authorities of the Member States (c) Grants for the translation of reference 
works with a view to wider 
dissemination of information between 
the professionals and the competent 
authorities of the Member States 
Grants for the translation of reference 
works are intended to facilitate the 
exchange of information and pooling of 
experience, thereby fostering cooperation 
between Member States in the areas 
referred to in Article 128 of the Treaty 
establishing the European Community, and 
in particular the areas to which the 
Community has accorded priority in its 
cultural policy. 
The Community has the potential to 
contribute a significant added value with 
this type of action. However, given the 
huge field that could be covered, grants 
for the translation of reference works will, 
at least initially, be developed in the form 
of an experimental, model scheme of 
limited scope. 
Grants for the translation of reference 
works will be given to studies and reports 
dealing with the practices and systems 
which exist in other Member States in the 
sphere of culture which help to highlight Grants for the translation of reference 
works are intended to facilitate the 
exchange of information and pooling of 
experience, thereby fostering cooperation 
between Member States in the areas 
referred to in Article 128 of the Treaty 
establishing the European Community, and 
in particular the areas to which the 
Community has accorded priority in its 
cultural policy. 
The Community has the potential to 
contribute a significant added value with 
this type of action. However, given the 
huge field that could be covered, grants 
for the translation of reference works will, 
at least initially, be developed in the form 
of an experimental, model scheme of 
limited scope. 
Grants for the translation of reference 
works will be given to studies and reports 
dealing with the practices and systems 
which exist in other Member States in the 
sphere of culture which help to highlight 
Mf. 
the questions of mutual interest relating in 
particular to Article 128(2) and (4). 
The grant application must be accompanied 
by the information needed to establish that 
the work to be translated would indeed 
make a substantial contribution to 
knowledge of the area in question, as well 
as an indication of the target languages and 
the written agreement of the author and 
translator. 
A maximum of 100 works may be 
translated into at least two languages over 
a five-year period. 
The nominations will be made to the 
Commission by the competent authorities 
of the Member States and the final 
selection will be made in the light of the 
interest expressed in the translation of 
these works by the representatives 
appointed to the Advisory Committee for 
the incentive measures in the field of 
culture. The works will be translated into 
as many languages as deemed necessary. 
The Community contribution, supplied 
after the written agreement of the author 
has been obtained, may be made in one of 
two ways, depending on the origin of the 
work: the questions of mutual interest relating in 
particular to Article 128(2) and (4). 
The grant application must be accompanied 
by the information needed to establish that 
the work to be translated would indeed 
make a substantial contribution to 
knowledge of the area in question, as well 
as an indication of the target languages and 
the written agreement of the author and 
translator. 
A maximum of 100 works may be 
translated into at least two languages over 
a five-year period. 
The nominations will be made to the 
Commission by the competent authorities 
of the Member States and the final 
selection will be made in the light of the 
interest expressed in the translation of 
these works by the representatives 
appointed to the Advisory Committee for 
the incentive measures in the field of 
culture. The works will be translated into 
as many languages as deemed necessary. 
The Community contribution, supplied 
after the written agreement of the author 
has been obtained, may be made in one of 
two ways, depending on the origin of the 
work: 
if the work nominated for translation 
was presented by a publisher, acting 
through the intermediary of the 
Member State, with a view to placing 
it on the European market, Community 
aid will be provided on similar terms 
to those laid down for grants to 
translations of works of contemporary 
literature (Section 1.1(a)); 
if the work nominated for translation 
through the intermediary of the 
Member State is not intended for 
commercial exploitation (e.g. it is to 
be translated on behalf of a university, 
research centre or specialist institute, 
etc.), Community aid will be provided 
in the form of a grant to help the if the work nominated for translation 
was presented by a publisher, acting 
through the intermediary of the 
Member State, with a view to placing 
it on the European market, Community 
aid will be provided on similar terms 
to those laid down for grants to 
translations of works of contemporary 
literature (Section 1.1(a)); 
if the work nominated for translation 
through the intermediary of the 
Member State is not intended for 
commercial exploitation (e.g. it is to 
be translated on behalf of a university, 
research centre or specialist institute, 
etc.), Community aid will be provided 
in the form of a grant to help the 
J& 
translators carry out their work on 
similar terms to those set out for 
translation of works of drama 
(Section 1.1(b)). 
The Commission will periodically 
distribute a list with details of the works 
translated under mis scheme. translators carry out their work on 
similar terms to those set out for 
translation of works of drama 
(Section 1.1(b)). 
The Commission will periodically 
distribute a list with details of the works 
translated under this scheme. 
2. Emblematic action: Aristeion Prizes, 
synergy with translation grants 
Aristeion Prizes: European Literature 
Prize and European Translation Prize 
By publicizing works of outstanding merit, 
the Aristeion Prizes (one for literature, the 
other for translation) contribute to the 
knowledge and dissemination of literary 
creation and offer an incentive to writers 
and translators, notably those of new 
creators. 2. Emblematic action: Aristeion Prizes, 
synergy with translation grants 
Aristeion Prizes: European Literature 
Prize and European Translation Prize 
By publicizing works of outstanding merit, 
the Aristeion Prizes (one for literature, the 
other for translation) contribute to the 
knowledge and dissemination of literary 
creation and offer an incentive to writers 
and translators, notably those of new 
Without ruling out the possibility of 
changes being made to the practical 
arrangements for the prizes under the 
procedure provided for in Article 6 of this 
Decision, the main rules governing this 
scheme, as published in OJ No C 35, are 
adopted as they currently stand. 
The works nominated for the European 
literature prize are therefore automatically 
eligible for a grant towards the cost of 
their translation into at least two additional 
languages, on similar terms to those set 
out for literary works (Section 1.1(a)) 
provided an application to this effect is 
submitted directly to the Commission by a 
publisher. 
Section II. Support measures 
Supporting translation is not an end in 
itself, but a means to promote knowledge 
and dissemination of European cultures 
and literary creation. Community measures 
to assist translation must therefore be 
combined, in both the preparatory and the 
follow-up stages, with other Community 
activities aimed at stimulating and Without ruling out the possibility of 
changes being made to the practical 
arrangements for the prizes under the 
procedure provided for in Article 6 of this 
Decision, the main rules governing this 
scheme, as published in OJ No C 35, are 
adopted as they currently stand. 
The works nominated for the European 
literature prize are therefore automatically 
eligible for a grant towards the cost of 
their translation into at least two additional 
languages, on similar terms to those set 
out for literary works (Section 1.1(a)) 
provided an application to this effect is 
submitted directly to the Commission by a 
publisher. 
Section II. Support measures 
Supporting translation is not an end in 
itself, but a means to promote knowledge 
and dissemination of European cultures 
and literary creation. Community measures 
to assist translation must therefore be 
combined, in both the preparatory and the 
follow-up stages, with other Community 
activities aimed at stimulating and 
M 
supporting the efforts of the competent 
authorities in the Member States and the 
professionals in the field, their role being 
to introduce a European dimension. 
1. Fostering synergies at European level 
through networks and the development 
of partnerships 
Raising standards in literary translation in 
conjunction with networks and professional 
organizations such as the International 
Federation of Translators, the European 
Council of Associations of Literary 
Translators and the European network of 
schools of literary translation, by 
supporting initiatives aimed in particular 
at: supporting the efforts of the competent 
authorities in the Member States and the 
professionals in the field, their role being 
to introduce a European dimension. 
1. Fostering synergies at European level 
through networks and the development 
of partnerships 
Raising standards in literary translation in 
conjunction with networks and professional 
organizations such as the International 
Federation of Translators, the European 
Council of Associations of Literary 
Translators and the European network of 
schools of literary translation, by 
supporting initiatives aimed in particular 
at: 
- promoting literary translation, 
particularly translation of a high 
standard, 
- the pooling of experience and expertise 
between professional translators, 
- encouraging the development of 
partnership schemes in cooperation 
with regional authorities and/or other 
public or private operators, with a 
view to stimulating aid for the 
translation of literature in Europe, 
- encouraging partnership arrangements 
aimed at facilitating access to 
information needed for the 
dissemination of works in translation, 
notably through the use of new 
technologies and other multimedia 
tools. 
Supporting the initiatives developed by 
networks of libraries in Europe and 
professional organizations in the field, 
aimed at pooling experience at European 
level on the promotion and development of 
European literature and other themes of 
common interest. This activity 
complements the schemes developed by 
DG XIII in the field of library automation. - promoting literary translation, 
particularly translation of a high 
standard, 
- the pooling of experience and expertise 
between professional translators, 
- encouraging the development of 
partnership schemes in cooperation 
with regional authorities and/or other 
public or private operators, with a 
view to stimulating aid for the 
translation of literature in Europe, 
encouraging partnership arrangements 
aimed at facilitating access to 
information needed for the 
dissemination of works in translation, 
notably through the use of new 
technologies and other multimedia 
tools. 
Supporting the initiatives developed by 
networks of libraries in Europe and 
professional organizations in the field, 
aimed at pooling experience at European 
level on the promotion and development of 
European literature and other themes of 
common interest. This activity 
complements the schemes developed by 
DG XIII in the field of library automation. 
&> 
Supporting initiatives and encounters 
developed by local and regional 
authorities, sometimes in conjunction with 
professional networks and in particular 
networks of small and medium-sized 
publishers, library networks and non-profit 
associations or foundations concerned with 
books and literature. The main aim is to 
promote and facilitate access to and 
dissemination and knowledge of European 
literature, among other things by helping 
to open up the possibilities offered by new 
multimedia tools. Supporting initiatives and encounters 
developed by local and regional 
authorities, sometimes in conjunction with 
professional networks and in particular 
networks of small and medium-sized 
publishers, library networks and non-profit 
associations or foundations concerned with 
books and literature. The main aim is to 
promote and facilitate access to and 
dissemination and knowledge of European 
literature, among other things by helping 
to open up the possibilities offered by new 
multimedia tools. 
Encouraging cooperation between 
publishers at European level, bv creating 
a database containing the details of book 
trade, of publishing houses and their 
specialist fields, with a view to supporting 
the co-production and co-publication of 
european works. 
Supporting the evaluation and 
dissemination of the results of research 
and initiatives in this atea. Supporting the evaluation and 
dissemination of the results of research 
and initiatives in this area. 
Supporting the evaluation and 
dissemination of the results of research 
and initiatives in this area. Supporting the evaluation and 
dissemination of the results of research 
and initiatives in this area. 
Selective measures to support efforts to 
promote reading, particularly where these 
help to spread knowledge, via translation, 
of the literature of different countries and 
regions of the Community, undertaken at 
the initiative of the competent authorities 
of the Member States (exhibitions, 
European days, events for the general 
public). 
Support for the exchange of information 
and experience between the competent 
authorities and professionals of the 
Member States, particularly as regards 
promoting reading among young people 
(meetings of experts on particular themes, 
research, etc.). 
Support for pilot and innovatory projects 
with a European dimension aimed at 
promoting reading and European literature Selective measures to support efforts to 
promote reading, particularly where these 
help to spread knowledge, via translation, 
of the literature of different countries and 
regions of the Community, undertaken at 
the initiative of the competent authorities 
of the Member States (exhibitions, 
European days, events for the general 
public). 
Support for the exchange of information 
and experience between the competent 
authorities and professionals of the 
Member States, particularly as regards 
promoting reading among young people 
(meetings of experts on particular themes, 
research, etc.). 
Support for pilot and innovatory projects 
with a European dimension aimed at 
promoting reading and European literature 
3LA 
among young people, carried out by the 
competent authorities, particularly local 
authorities and structures with a quasi-
educational purpose, associations, 
networks, foundations (including research 
and pilot projects to fight against illiteracy 
and deleteracy). 
Support for the evaluation and 
dissemination of the results of the pilot 
experiments and research carried out in 
this area. 
3. Further training and research 
(a) Further training of literary translators 
In view of the small number of translators 
capable of translating works of literature, 
or at least translating from and into the 
less well-known languages, and the highly 
specialized nature of this type of further 
training, the Community complements the 
efforts of the competent authorities of the 
Member States by providing support for 
the training of literary translators to help 
raise standards. 
This support is provided in the form of 
grants and allowances to cover the costs of 
travel, advance training courses and/or 
contributions to seminars or meetings on 
aspects of translation. 
Grants and other forms of Community aid 
provided for under this heading are made 
for educational projects presented by 
associations, foundations, colleges and 
institutes specialized in the field of literary 
translation, after consulting the competent 
authorities of the Member States. 
(b) Complementary training measures for 
professionals working to promote 
knowledge and dissemination of 
European literature 
Community assistance may be given, 
where appropriate, to specific training 
seminars organized by professionals or 
public organizations engaged in promoting among young people, carried out by the 
competent authorities, particularly local 
authorities and structures with a quasi-
educational purpose, associations, 
networks, foundations (including research 
and pilot projects to fight against illiteracy 
and deleteracy). 
Support for the evaluation and 
dissemination of the results of the pilot 
experiments and research carried out in 
this area. 
3. Further training and research 
(a) Further training of literary translators 
In view of the small number of translators 
capable of translating works of literature, 
or at least translating from and into the 
less well-known languages, and the highly 
specialized nature of this type of further 
training, the Community complements the 
efforts of the competent authorities of the 
Member States by providing support for 
the training of literary translators to help 
raise standards. 
This support is provided in the form of 
grants and allowances to cover the costs of 
travel, advance training courses and/or 
contributions to seminars or meetings on 
aspects of translation. 
Grants and other forms of Community aid 
provided for under this heading are made 
for educational projects presented by 
associations, foundations, colleges and 
institutes specialized in the field of literary 
translation, after consulting the competent 
authorities of the Member States. 
(b) Complementary training measures for 
professionals working to promote 
knowledge and dissemination of 
European literature 
Community assistance may be given, 
where appropriate, to specific training 
seminars organized by professionals or 
public organizations engaged in promoting 
£2 
and disseminating European literature. It 
will be provided to complement initiatives 
developed via the relevant networks and in 
response to specific applications submitted 
in connection with meetings organized in 
this context (Section II. 1). Priority will be 
given to themes of common interest 
relating to Article 128(4). 
(c) Studies and research 
As a prelude to the grants for the 
translation of reference works referred to 
in Section 11.3(a), Community support is 
also available for joint research projects 
between several Community countries, 
particularly those undertaken via the 
networks or public partnerships referred to 
in Section II. 1 and relating to themes of 
common interest in the areas cited in 
Article 128 of the EC Treaty. Priority will 
be given to projects involving the pooling 
of results and synthesis of research carried 
out separately by the Member States, with 
a view to enabling all those interested to 
derive maximum benefit from the research 
and experiments carried out in the 
Community and avoid duplication. 
Community support will be restricted - in 
the first phase - to joint research projects 
in the field of books and reading and those 
investigating access to and the 
dissemination of European literature within 
the Community, taking into account the 
direct and indirect impact of other 
Community policies in this area. 
Limited, selective aid may be given to 
those engaged in innovative research 
projects that are still in the preparatory 
stage but already involve participants from 
at least three Member States. The aid is to 
help them find new partners so that the 
research may be organized and carried out 
effectively (study visits, feasibility studies, 
etc.). 
Support will be provided for the evaluation 
and dissemination of the results of the 
research carried out in this area. and disseminating European literature. It 
will be provided to complement initiatives 
developed via the relevant networks and in 
response to specific applications submitted 
in connection with meetings organized in 
this context (Section II. 1). Priority will be 
given to themes of common interest 
relating to Article 128(4). 
(c) Studies and research 
As a prelude to the grants for the 
translation of reference works referred to 
in Section 11.3(a), Community support is 
also available for joint research projects 
between several Community countries, 
particularly those undertaken via the 
networks or public partnerships referred to 
in Section II. 1 and relating to themes of 
common interest in the areas cited in 
Article 128 of the EC Treaty. Priority will 
be given to projects involving the pooling 
of results and synthesis of research carried 
out separately by the Member States, with 
a view to enabling all those interested to 
derive maximum benefit from the research 
and experiments carried out in the 
Community and avoid duplication. 
Community support will be restricted - in 
the first phase - to joint research projects 
in the field of books and reading and those 
investigating access to and the 
dissemination of European literature within 
the Community, taking into account the 
direct and indirect impact of other 
Community policies in this area. 
Limited, selective aid may be given to 
those engaged in innovative research 
projects that are still in the preparatory 
stage but already involve participants from 
at least three Member States. The aid is to 
help them find new partners so that the 
research may be organized and carried out 
effectively (study visits, feasibility studies, 
etc.). 
Support will be provided for the evaluation 
and dissemination of the results of the 
research carried out in this area. 
&*> 
Section III. Cooperation with 
member countries non-
1. Specific arrangements for opening up 
the Ariane programme (Sections I and 
II) to countries of Central and Eastern 
Europe that are a party to Europe 
agreements 
In line with the conclusions of the 
Copenhagen European Council (21-
22 June 1993), a number of programmes 
have to be opened up to countries of 
Central and Eastern Europe that are party 
to Europe agreements (Poland, Hungary, 
Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, 
Romania). This applies particularly to 
agreements in the cultural field. Title 7 of 
the European agreements on culture refers 
explicitly to translation. 
Sections I and II of the Ariane programme 
must therefore be opened up to these other 
countries. The Association Councils will 
decide the terms of this participation. The 
countries of Central and Eastern Europe 
will themselves meet the extra costs 
arising from their involvement. If 
necessary, and under certain conditions, a 
contribution could be made from the 
Community budget. 
2. Promoting knowledge and dissemin­
ation of literary creation, particularly 
via translation, in the dialogue between 
the Community and its Member States 
and certain third countries 
Certain third countries have made 
translation a priority area for cultural Section III. Cooperation with non-
member countries 
1. Specific arrangements for opening up 
the Ariane programme (Sections I and 
ID to countries of Central and Eastern 
Europe that are a party to Europe 
agreements 
In line with the conclusions of the 
Copenhagen European Council (21-
22 June 1993), a number of programmes 
have to be opened up to the Jpuropean 
countries deemed to fulfil the conditions 
for accession to the European Union 
(Cyprus and Malta) to the countries that 
have signed the Agreement on the 
European Economic Area an^ to countries 
of Central and Eastern Europe that are 
party to Europe agreements (Poland, 
Hungary, Czech Republic. Slovakia. 
Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, 
Romania). This applies particularly to 
agreements in the cultural field. Title 7 of 
the European agreements on culture refers 
explicitly to translation. T\m countries of 
Central amj Pastern Europe which have 
signed cooperation agreements (Estonia. 
Latvia. Ijfouania. Albania and Slovenia) 
must a}so frave the opportunity of taking 
part in the programme. 
Sections I and II of the Ariane programme 
must therefore be opened up to these other 
countries. The Association Councils will 
decide the terms of this participation. The 
countries of Central and Eastern Europe 
will themselves meet the extra costs 
arising from their involvement. If 
necessary, and under certain conditions, a 
contribution could be made from the 
Community budget. 
2. Promoting knowledge and dissemin­
ation of literary creation, particularly 
via translation, in the dialogue between 
the Community and its Member States 
and certain third countries 
Certain third countries have made 
translation a priority area for cultural 
^ 
cooperation in their mutual relations with 
the Community and its Member States. 
This is the case, for example, of the 
agreements with certain Latin American 
countries and CIS states. cooperation in their mutual relations with 
the Community and its Member States. 
This is the case, for example, of the 
agreements with certain Latin American 
countries and CIS states. 
The Community and the Member States 
could therefore develop cooperation in the 
field of translation on the basis of 
applications submitted in the framework of 
the Joint Committee provided for in the 
agreements in question. 
Efforts will be made to achieve synergy 
with the competent international 
organizations, and the Council of Europe 
in particular, while respecting the identity 
and autonomy of each institution and 
organization. The Community and the Member States 
could therefore develop cooperation in the 
field of translation on the basis of 
applications submitted in the framework of 
the Joint Committee provided for in the 
agreements in question. 
Efforts will be made to achieve synergy 
with the Council of Europe and other the 
competent international organizations, such 
as UNESCO, while respecting the identity 
and autonomy of each institution and 
organization. 
OJ C42, 15.2.1993, p. 182 
OJ No C 309, 19.11.1987, p. 3 
OJNoC 183, 20.07.1989, p. 1 
OJ No C 246, 14.9.1987, p. 136 
OJNoC42, 15.2.1993, p. 182 
OJ No C 336, 19.12.1992, p. 1 
OJ No C 160, 12.6.1993, p. 1 
kT 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(95) 374 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 16 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-95-395-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-92120-X 
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