A stronger cooperation between literary translators and audiovisual translators in Europe

Audio-visual translators and literary translators in Europe are strengthening cooperation and mutual relationship with the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between Audio-visual Translators Europe (AVTE) and the Conseil Européen des Associations de Traducteurs Littéraires (CEATL).

This joint document was signed in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 13th May 2023 by AVTE President Amalie Foss (left) and CEATL Secretary General Lara Hölbling Matković (right).

AVTE and CEATL share common objectives in promoting quality and professionalism in creative translation and authors’ rights. These include encouraging research in creative translation, providing a platform for the exchange of information and fostering the coordination of international activities related to the protection of translators’ intellectual property rights.

“We believe it is of utmost importance to join forces between our networks” – state Foss and Hölbling Matković – “because both organisations are working to combat translators’ isolation and improve their cultural visibility, which is key to improving their socio-economic position. Doing this in partnership is certain to bring good results. We are looking forward to a fruitful cooperation”.

Audio-visual Translators Europe (AVTE) is the European federation of national associations and organisations for media translators of all kinds. AVTE coordinates efforts to promote its profession and create good working conditions for media translators. It promotes networking and the exchange of information between associations and various EU institutions. It has become the communication partner for the relevant bodies on audio-visual translation issues, working diligently to make the profession more visible to European legislators and educating them on the importance of good audio-visual translation practices. AVTE was founded in London in 2011 and currently includes representatives from 20 European countries.

Conseil Européen des Associations de Traducteurs Littéraires (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. Set up by 10 founder members, CEATL now has 36 member associations from 28 countries across Europe, representing some 10,000 individual authors.