PEN International and CEATL sign a memorandum of understanding

Photo: Iztok Ilc

2 June: TLRC-PEN (PEN International’s Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee) and CEATL (the European Council of Literary Translators’ Associations) will work closer together to improve working conditions for literary translators following their signing of a memorandum of understanding on 17th May 2023 in Ljubljana. The joint document was signed by Romana Cacchioli, the Executive Director of PEN International, and CEATL’s Secretary General Lara Hölbling-Matković.

PEN International is delighted to partner with CEATL. Our organisation values their immense contribution to the world of literature and cultural exchange, and trusts this partnership will strengthen our commitment to championing linguistic diversity, promoting freedom of expression, and celebrating the power of words. "Literary translation is an art of passion. Promoting values of openness, acting for peace and freedom and against injustice, intolerance and censorship, translation invites a dialogue with the world” (Art. 1 of PEN International's Quebec Declaration on Literary Translation and Translators). Together, we will continue to amplify the voices of writers and translators, working towards a more inclusive and interconnected literary community. - Romana Cacchioli, PEN International Executive Director

TLRC-PEN and CEATL share common objectives in the area of literary translation, including encouraging the practice of literary translation from and into all European languages, and providing a platform for the exchange of information related to the personal and professional status of literary translators based in Europe.

For that purpose, TLRC-PEN and CEATL will exchange newsletters, publications and social media messages, inform each other of congresses and other events related to their fields of interest, promote translation programmes, grants, residencies and prizes associated with PEN and CEATL among their membership, and distribute information regarding relevant events. Furthermore, both parties will work together to improve conditions for literary translators through non-commercial negotiation and campaigns.

TLRC-PEN promotes the rights of all languages to be written, read, and heard, whether they are spoken by millions of people or just a few. Through projects, events, publications and campaigns, the Committee encourages readers and writers to explore literature from cultures other than their own.

CEATL is an international non-profit association (AISBL) under Belgian law, officially created in 1993 as a platform where literary translators’ associations from different European countries could exchange views and information, and join forces to improve the status and working conditions of literary translators. CEATL has 32 member associations from 26 countries across Europe, representing some 10,000 individual translators.