Organisation and implementation of an annual European Union Prize for Literature

Books and literature play a special role in culture and in helping people to learn about others. Beyond the support being provided for the translation of literary works, however, little is being done at European level to promote literature. This prize aims to put the spotlight on the wealth of contemporary literature (fiction) created in Europe.

The aim of  this call for proposals is to select a body capable of organising the award of a European Union prize for literature.

The body selected must do the following:

A) Select new European talents in the field of contemporary literature (fiction) from all the countries participating in the Culture Programme and to promote them in participating countries outside their own.

(b) Appoint a well-known personality from the field of European literature to take on the role of Ambassador for this prize. This person will be chosen independently of residency and/or nationality considerations. This person's role will be to support and promote the new talents referred to in point (a)

(c) Organise an award ceremony for these prizes which puts the spotlight on this initiative and its European dimension.

The successful applicant will be responsible for organising the 2009 European prize. He could also be responsible for the subsequent prizes (until 2013), after the Commission has given its approval, based on its evaluation of how effectively the previous annual prize has been organised and implemented.