The project steps

In 1995, responding to this long-observed deficit about translation in the cultural development and intercultural practices, Transeuropéennes set up cultural cooperation programmes in the Mediterranean region and the Balkans, founded on the democratization stakes, as well as the constitution and the diffusion of knowledge. In 2006, supported by a long experience, Transeuropéennes has launched the idea of a structured initiative for translating in the Mediterranean area. This initiative is intended to produce translation dynamics, characterized by reciprocity and exchange: translating more and better, not only from North to South but also from East to West, from West to East, from South to North, from South to South.

During spring 2008, Transeuropéennes took action towards relevant public authorities and raised the issue of translation as a major one to be included in the perspective of the Euromed Cultural Strategy, which was on the agenda of the Euromed Ministers of Culture conference (29th and 30th of May). The Athens Declaration (paragraph 22) stipulates: “Ministers underline that translation, as it relates languages and cultures and provides wide access to works of art and ideas, is an essential tool for dialogue between cultures, and should be subject to a joint effort from the partner countries as well as relevant EU institutions.”  This constitutes an important step forward, especially within the perspective of a Euromed Cultural Strategy to be developped in 2010.

In November 2008, "Translating in the Mediterranean area" has organized in Marseille its launching workshop, in the frame of the French Presidency of the EU.

The network of Euro-Mediterranean partners of the project has been strengthened in 2009 and the reference terms of the inventory launched in 2010 have been put down. This work will be lead in partnership with the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures and several other organizations.