Trans-European Journeys: Fostering literary exchange across borders
Last year, Region Jönköping took the initiative to lead a European literature project called Trans-European Journeys (TJ). By bringing together partners from five countries, Trans-European Journeys facilitates the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of literature across Europe and beyond. The project aims to strengthen the literary and cultural ecosystem through increased collaborations and making more books accessible across borders. As the leading actor in the project, Region Jönköping has now positioned itself on the European literary map, leading to new opportunities.
Background
Literature has long been a bridge between cultures, offering insights into different societies and histories. However, many literary works remain confined to their native languages, limiting their reach and impact. Trans-European-Journeys was launched to address this challenge by increasing the availability of translated works and ensuring a broader literary exchange.
As previously reported by the Brussels office, Region Jönköping sought consortium partners for Trans-European Journeys in December 2023. The project is now officially underway, bringing together publishers and authors from across the globe. The project has also opened doors to collaborations with partners in a new project.
The goal of the project is to expand access to diverse European literature by promoting the translation and publication of lesser-known literary works. While the project will last for two years, the project aims to create long-term collaborations for continued exchange of literature, and new collaborating opportunities have already presented themselves.
By fostering collaboration between publishers, distributors, and literary festivals, the project seeks to reduce geographical barriers that can limit the reach of authors and publishers. Through broader opportunities for international cooperation and literary exchanges, this initiative empowers authors and translators to connect with readers across diverse regions simultaneously, helping authors to reach out beyond country boarders.
“It spans multiple fiction genres, including novels, poetry, theater plays, and children’s books. These works explore a wide range of themes and cultures, highlighting Europe’s deep literary heritage. Notably, the selection includes contributions from emerging authors, deceased authors, and even Nobel Prize laureates.”
How Does Trans-European Journeys Work?
With funding primarily from the European Union and the Creative Europe Programme, Trans-European Journeys unites literary organizations from Sweden, the Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, and Armenia.
The partnership program includes three steps:
- Selection of Works – A selection of literary works is done, ranging from genres such as novels, poetry, theater plays, and children’s books.
- Translation into Multiple Languages – These works are translated into different languages to increase accessibility.
- International Distribution and Promotion – Publishers and distributors collaborate to ensure that books reach readers through bookstores, libraries, and literary festivals.
Although the project originated as a European cooperation, its ambitions extend beyond the continent. Selected works are being translated into languages such as Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean, ensuring that European literature reaches a global audience.
Summary
Trans-European Journeys is a long-term investment in cultural and literary exchange. By bringing together key actors in the literary world, the project empowers authors, translators, and publishers to connect with new audiences across diverse regions. By leading this initiative, Region Jönköping strengthens its role as a key player in European cultural cooperation.
For more information about Trans-European-Journeys, read more about the project here. Interested in potential collaboration? Contact EU Policy Officer Sandra Jansson