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European prize for contemporary literature

Céline D\'Ambrosio, Policy Adviser for the Federation of European Publishers

The European Union Prize for contemporary literature was created in 2009 and aims to distinguish a new talent in each of the selected countries. This open contest is funded by the Culture programme and the consortium of three organizations: the Federation of European Publishers (FEP), the Federation of European writers (FEW) and the European Booksellers Federation (EBF). We interview today Ms. Celine D\'Ambrosio, Policy Advisor to the Federation of European Publishers (FEP).

Could you briefly tell us what the \"EU Prize for contemporary literature\" is and what are its overall objectives?



The European prize for contemporary literature aims to celebrate and highlight young literary talents in Europe who might not be known outside their linguistic border.

Its overall objective is to highlight the wealth of contemporary European creative writing (fiction), to promote the circulation of works in Europe and to stimulate public interest in literary works from other European countries.



What were the reasons for creating this prize now?


This award comes in the context of the European agenda for culture proposed by the European Commission (and adopted in May 2007). It focuses on three common goals: cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, culture as a catalyst for creativity and culture as an essential element of international relations.


The Culture Programme incorporates these goals and supports European prizes in the field of cultural heritage, architecture, literature and music. The objective of the European Awards is to give visibility to the success of European activities in these areas and their excellent quality.

The Awards highlight artists, music groups, architects, writers and all those working in the field of cultural heritage.

They help celebrate the richness of European cultural diversity, the importance of intercultural dialogue as well as cultural activities in Europe and beyond its borders. (Directorate-General for Education and Culture website)


Regarding the European prize for literature, it has been established through the common will of the European Commission and other key players in the world of books, authors, publishers and booksellers for a better seen literary heritage. The book is the European cultural sector in Europe and this place must be recognized by the EU authorities.



What are the criteria for the selection of authors?


The winning authors are selected by a qualified jury in each of the eleven participating countries in 2010. The new European talent will be selected on the basis of criteria specified by the European Commission and the consortium, on the following requirements:

- Be a citizen of the eleven selected countries
- Have published between two and four books in the field of literature (fiction)
- The books must have been published at least five years before the awarding of the price



Can you tell us something about the ambassador of the European Prize for Literature? How was he chosen?



Last year, Henning Mankell, a famous Swedish writer, has agreed to sponsor the European prize for literature for 2009. This role has been proposed in recognition of his work and his literary success.

This year, the European Commission will invite to the awards ceremony a prominent personality from the literary world.



How does this award contribute to the creation of a \"European literary culture?


This award aims to stimulate the circulation of books in Europe and contribute to the cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe.


We are currently at an early stage and at this stage it is difficult to quantify the contribution of prices to the creation of a European literary culture. However, on a longer term, we can evaluate the success of this initiative, for example by noting the number of translations made of the winning books. The European culture is based on the diversity of our cultures, national, regional, local. What is really important is to encourage the appetite for other cultures and especially for its expression in the literary field.