RBC, the newest initiative launched in 2025, specifically targets illustrated children’s and young adult literature.

The Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR), through its National Book Centre (CENNAC), has launched the 2026 Call Session for three distinct funding programmes aimed at foreign publishers: the Translation and Publication Support Programme (TPS), Publishing Romania, and Romanian Books for Children (RBC). Applications open on 30 March and close on 14 April 2026.

Programme Scope and Eligibility

TPS supports fiction and non-fiction translations covering up to 100% of translation costs (capped at €12,000) and 50% of production costs (up to €3,000) for works by Romanian authors in literature, arts, social sciences and humanities.

Publishing Romania, established in 2007, funds albums and scholarly volumes showcasing Romanian culture, offering up to 75% of total project costs.

RBC, the newest initiative launched in 2025, specifically targets illustrated children’s and young adult literature.

Only foreign-registered publishers may apply. Each publisher may submit a maximum of three applications per call.

Assessment and Timeline

An internal CENNAC committee verifies applications between 14–16 April 2026. Independent experts then evaluate eligible projects from 20–24 April, with final validation by the ICR Board of Directors by 30 April. Successful applicants sign grant contracts between 5 May and 14 June 2026, with reimbursement due within the calendar year.

The View From The Beach

TPS marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, having launched in 2006 to accelerate Romanian literature’s international circulation.

The programme has significantly expanded Romanian authors’ presence in global markets, complementing Romania’s strong performance in EU Creative Europe funding rounds – where Romanian publishers achieved an 80% success rate in 2018, second only to Slovenia.

CENNAC has operated under ICR since 2007, coordinating international book fair participation, translator residencies, and professional exchange programmes. The Institute additionally offers translator scholarships (€1,500–€3,000) and five-week residencies at Mogoșoaia Palace for emerging literary translators.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.