European Union Prize for Literature announces the 2026 shortlisted authors

The European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL) recognises emerging fiction writers from the European Union and beyond. Engaging the 41 countries participating in the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, the Prize celebrates 41 outstanding new literary talents across a cycle of three years.

EUPL highlights the creativity and the rich diversity of contemporary European fiction, while aiming to promote the circulation of literature across Europe and foster greater interest in works beyond national borders.

The EUPL Consortium is proud to reveal today the 14 shortlisted books for the EUPL 2026 edition, one for each participating country. The authors and their novels were nominated by national entities knowledgeable  about the literary scene in their countries and used to promoting their own literature abroad.

It is with pleasure that the shortlisted authors for this year are unveiled:

• Armenia: Sargis Hovsepyan, Սարգիս Հովսեփյան – Դու էսօր մեռի, ես՝ վաղը (You Die Today, I Die Tomorrow)
• Croatia: Lora Tomaš, Papir tvoje kože (Paper of Your Skin)
• Czechia: Dora Kaprálová, Mariborská hypnóza (The Maribor Hypnosis)
• Cyprus: Evridiki Pericleous-Papadopoulou, καὶ πολλὰ ἐπικράνθη – Η Ελένη της Καρπασίας (Sorely Grieved: Helen of Karpasia)
• Estonia: Lilli Luuk, Ööema (Night Mother)
• Finland: Susanna Hast, Toivottomuus (Despair)
• France: Hélène Frédérick, Lézardes (Rivers of White)
• Kosovo: Arben Idrizi, Njeriu që habitej dhe tregime të tjera (The Man Who Wondered and Other Stories)
• Liechtenstein: Mathias Ospelt, Ebaholz (Ebony)
• Luxembourg: Elise Schmit, Allgemeine Zweifel am weiteren Verlauf (General doubts about the future course of events)
• Moldova: Paula Erizanu, Aicea-i și raiul, și iadul. Republica Moldova: un veac de istorie trăită (Here Is Both Heaven and Hell. Republic of Moldova: A Century of Lived History)
• Montenegro: Vladimir Vujović, Slobodni udarci (Free Kicks)
• North Macedonia: Ivan Shopov, Zentrifuga (Centrifuge)
• Sweden: Frans Wachtmeister, Förlorad mark (Lost Ground)

The seven members of the European Jury will read excerpts from all the shortlisted books and make their choice in the upcoming months to award one EUPL Prize winner for this edition, as well as recognising two special mentions.

The 2026 EUPL Prize laureate and the two special mentions will be revealed on 29 May 2026 at the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, during the city’s annual book fair.

All shortlisted authors will be continuously promoted on the European stage, aiming to reach a wider and international audience, as well as connect with readers beyond their national and linguistic borders.

The EUPL is organised by a Consortium of associations comprising the Federation of European Publishers (FEP) and the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), with the support of the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport said: “Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors of the 2026 European Union Prize for literature. Your incredible achievements remind us that literature is a powerful bridge connecting cultures, languages, histories, and generations across our continent and beyond. Books open windows to new worlds while reflecting who we are, serving as catalyst for dialogue and change, fostering empathy, dialogue and understanding across borders. Your stories offer a unique perspective, enriching our collective understanding of the complexities and diversity of what it means to be European. As reaffirmed by the Culture Compass and through the Creative Europe programme, the Commission is committed to supporting the literary sector and to ensuring that voices like yours, promoting understanding and celebrating diversity, continue to inspire, challenge, and unite readers.”

Sonia Draga, President of FEP, said: “Discovering Europe through its authors, this is what EUPL offers to publishing professionals who are looking to bring new voices to their audiences. After what I can only imagine a difficult choice by national juries, we now have a shortlist of 14 emerging authors to be discovered. FEP is proud to be associated to the Prize that has so far allowed 216 authors to reach new readers across Europe.’’

Fabian Paagman, President of EIBF, said: ‘’The EUPL continues to be a beacon for literary excellence, celebrating the vibrant diversity of European storytelling. This year’s shortlist of 14 outstanding authors represents the best of contemporary fiction from across the continent, each offering a unique voice and perspective. While the jury will soon honour two special mentions and one overall laureate, the true achievement of the EUPL is its power to bring these remarkable works to readers everywhere, defying conventional national boundaries and territories. On behalf of EIBF, I congratulate all the shortlisted authors and look forward to seeing your books on shelves, inspiring readers throughout Europe and beyond.’’

About FEP: The Federation of European Publishers is an independent, non-commercial umbrella association of book publishers’ associations in Europe. FEP represents 31 national associations of publishers of books, learned journals and educational materials, in all formats, in Europe, and is, thus, the voice of the great majority of European publishers. Founded in 1967, FEP deals with European legislation and advises publishers’ associations on copyright and other legislative issues.

About EIBF: The European and International Booksellers Federation is a non-commercial European and international umbrella organisation representing national booksellers’ associations and booksellers around the world. Through its member associations, EIBF speaks on behalf of more than 25.000 individual booksellers.

About Creative Europe: The Creative Europe programme supports a wide range of cultural and creative sectors and encourages cooperation and exchanges among cultural organisations and artists within Europe and beyond. It supports initiatives of translation and promotes literary works throughout EU markets, with the aim to raise accessibility of readership of high quality European literary writings.