Home / News / The NBC establishes the first National Writers’ Congress Back to News The NBC establishes the first National Writers’ Congress Initiatives • News 14th September, 2019 On the 14th of September the National Book Council (NBC) organised the first National Writers’ Congress to take place in Malta. The historic moment brought together Maltese writers to collectively recognise their common economic rights. Over 65 authors participated in the Congress. The primary aim of the Congress was the presentation of two motions by the NBC on which writers have been invited to vote: Writers’ Bill of Economic Rights The consolidation of the National Book Council through an Act of Parliament The first motion has been drafted following extensive consultation meetings which the NBC held with writers during the past months. The Draft Writers’ Bill of Economic Rights stresses the right for authors to receive due payment for their work, and serves as guide to Government in its transposition of EU Directive 2019/790 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market. Writers remarked on the exclusion of poetry from minimum royalty payments. The Congress agreed to an amendment removing the exception concerning poetry books. The motion was approved unanimously by a total of 141 writers. 75 authors who were unable to attend submitted their approval in writing. The second motion states that Subsidiary Legislation 327.580 establishing the National Book Council is renewed in an Act of Parliament consolidating the legal status and autonomy of the NBC. The motion has been approved by unanimously by writers present. Writers commented on the motions and emphasised the importance of events such as the Congress bringing together writers under one roof. During his address, the Executive Chairperson of the NBC emphasised that the strengthening of writers’ economic standing and the growth of the publishing industry contributes to the renewal of local literature and the cultural, educational, and intellectual growth of society. This is what makes the economic growth of the industry an issue of national importance. In closing, and in dialogue with the authors present, the NBC discussed the way forward and necessary next steps benefitting them and the industry, including the introduction of fiscal incentives for the industry. SHARE POST Related Articles Make a mark abroad! Literary agent Simon Trewin offers practical networking tips during a free Zoom session News 12th September, 2025 Read More Bringing children’s literature to dynamic life on stage at the Malta Book Festival Festivals 10th September, 2025 Read More The National Book Council welcomes new board members News 10th September, 2025 Read More POSITION OF MANAGER WITH THE NATIONAL BOOK COUNCIL: JOBSPLUS PERMIT NUMBER 881/2025 News 9th September, 2025 Read More Booker Prize winner Samantha Harvey heads to Malta Book Festival News 2nd September, 2025 Read More The Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026 Opens for Submissions in Maltese and English News 1st September, 2025 Read More Shortlist For The 2025 National Book Prize Announced News 26th August, 2025 Read More What Makes a Great Short Story? News 18th August, 2025 Read More ANNOUNCING THE NBC’S SHORT STORY WORKSHOP TOUR (AUG-OCT 2025) News 5th August, 2025 Read More The National Book Council launches Five-Year Strategy 2025–2030 News 5th August, 2025 Read More view all similar news
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