Events

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.

The European Commission has launched a Call for Expressions of Interest for private investment, inviting businesses from the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Moldova to take part. This initiative will be further explored during a dedicated information session at Moldova Business Week 2025.

The Call will be the central focus of the ‘Investment funding in Moldova: Unlocking capital for growth’ session on 19 September, where European Commission experts will outline its objectives, explain how businesses can apply, and highlight the opportunities available. The session will also feature an interactive Q&A, enabling participants to raise specific questions, share insights, and gain practical guidance on how to engage.

The event is expected to gather around 150 representatives from the business community and international financial institutions. The session will be livestreamed on the EU Delegation’s social media channels and on Pivesc.eu, starting at 13:00 CET.

To be eligible, the project has to comply with the following criteria:

• the investment must take place on the territory of the Republic of Moldova;
• participants shall be private enterprises, a joint venture or consortium of companies, possessing a valid VAT registration number 
• participants must possess their real legal seat/legal incorporation in one of the EU Member States /EEA countries or be based in Moldova;
• projects should focus on the Republic of Moldova’s real economy sectors and support diversification and competitiveness of the Moldovan economy in line with the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova; 
• projects must meet a specified minimum investment threshold, including a total size of the investment project at €10 million;
• projects must include at least 15% own equity from the project promoters.

To reduce risks and attract private investment, the EU and its partners are offering a comprehensive support package that includes financial guarantees through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), loans and investment capital on favourable terms, technical assistance and other support measures.

The deadline for applications is 4 May 2026.

Find out more

Press release

More information about the call is available here

CLOSING DATE

May 4, 2026

The Solidarity Fund PL in the Republic of Moldova has launched a call for funding for local agricultural SMEs as part of the wider Team Europe Initiative ‘Sustainable Agri-Food Systems’, financed by the European Union and the Czech Republic.

The call aims to support initiatives to create and strengthen sustainable agri-food value chains, developed and coordinated by associations of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector.

The total budget of the call is €250,000. Grants of up to €50,000 are available for agricultural producers who are willing to join forces and jointly develop seed production,seed multiplication, seed processing, and market sales. Support is intended for corn, sorghum, industrial hemp and cover crops.

The deadline for applications is 16 March 2026.

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Press release

CLOSING DATE

March 16, 2026

Between April and November 2025, law enforcement, judicial, customs, medical and anti-doping authorities from 30 countries, including from Georgia and Moldova, joined forces in Operation SHIELD VI, coordinated by the EU Agency Europol. 

As a result, 3,354 individuals were prosecuted, 907 investigations launched, 43 organised crime groups investigated, five underground labs seized, 10 assembly sites seized, and 66 websites taken down. The total value of the seized items, including medicines, doping substances, medical devices and food supplement, amounts to €33 million.

The operation focused on counterfeit and falsified medicines, the trafficking of anabolic-androgenic steroids and other doping substances, illegal food and sport supplements, and counterfeit sanitary products and medical devices.

“Operation SHIELD VI highlighted several critical public health threats, including the proliferation of counterfeit Semaglutide-based products used as fat-burners and the increasing availability of fake medicines containing potent synthetic substances, such as nitazenes,” Europol said in a press release.

According to Europol, social media and online marketplaces, both on the surface and on the dark web, continue to be central to the trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. These platforms provide various degrees of anonymity and target wide audiences, making it challenging to identify the criminal actors involved.

“Purchasing fake medicines pays criminals, poses a risk to consumers’ health, and undermines the economy, damaging legitimate businesses and innovation that rely on intellectual property protection,” Europol said.

As in the previous operations, the 2025 edition was supported by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Frontex, INTERPOL, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and national medicine agencies.

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Press release

On 1 April 2026, Moldova will take a significant step toward further integrating with the EU’s internal energy market. That is when the country will phase out regulated gas prices for large non-household consumers, including power and heating utilities, industrial operators and commercial users, representing around 55% of national gas demand. In doing so, Moldova, as a Contracting Party of the Energy Community, is opening a large share of its gas market, which is considered by the Energy Community to be an “especially key milestone” for a country heavily reliant on imported natural gas for electricity and heat generation. 

On 19 February, gas companies, regulators, public authorities, and major consumers gathered in Chișinău for a forum, co-organised by the National Agency for Energy Regulation (ANRE) and the Energy Community Secretariat, in preparation for this transition. The event focused on enabling large non-household consumers to adapt to the new market rules. 

“Moldova is stepping into an EU-integrated energy future,” said Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat. “Opening the gas market for big gas consumers turns integration with the EU into competition among the suppliers, while ensuring market reforms are implemented in a way that protects vulnerable households.” 

Moldova’s dependence on imported gas became apparent during the energy crisis of 2021-2022, when supply disruptions caused by Russia led to widespread economic and social tensions, exposing the risks of dependence on a single supplier. With the support of the Energy Community Secretariat, Moldova has since emerged as one of the frontrunners in advancing market reforms, reducing structural vulnerabilities through deeper integration with the EU’s internal energy market.

The phase-out of regulated prices will be gradual – completed for large non-household consumers by April 2026 and for medium non-household consumers by April 2027. At the same time, households, small businesses and essential service providers will still be able to choose between regulated supply and market-based contracts, helping ensure a smooth and consumer-focused transition. 

The Forum was organised within the framework of the ‘Moldova Energy Independence and Resilience’ (MEIR) project, co-financed by the European Union. 

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Press release

Almost 600 students in Moldova took part in a series of activities, carried out by Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) from Moldova and the European Union from 23 to 26 February. The idea behind this week was to highlight the message of ‘More EU in Moldova’ with a series of visits to schools, Euroclubs and EU-funded projects.

A group of six Young European Ambassadors from Moldova were joined by five Young European Ambassadors from Romania, France and Italy, fostering cross-border dialogue and exchange between young people from EU Member States and Moldova.

The activities aimed to increase the understanding and visibility of the EU, its strategic objectives and support for Moldova, to inform about opportunities offered by the EU and o build cooperation between the YEAs and local youth, NGOs and academia, particularly in the context of Moldova’s EU accession path.

On 23 February, the YEAs visited the ‘Vasile Alecsandri’ high school in Chișinău, featuring an EU-YEA fair, high-level dialogue with H.E. Iwona Piórko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, and content creator Cătălin Lungu. Around 250 students took part in the event.

The EU-YEA fair featured dedicated stands hosted by Young European Ambassadors and the Euro Club. Through interactive games, quizzes and informal discussions, students tested their knowledge about the European Union, discovered interesting facts about Europe, and learned about the tangible results of EU-Moldova cooperation.

The YEAs also visited ‘Vasile Alecsandri’ lyceum in Ungheni, where 80 pupils participated, and ‘Constantin Stere’lyceum in Soroca, where 250 pupils were involved.

“These past three days have proved that engaged young people who want change exist in every corner of Moldova; we just need to reach out and find them,” said Ema Budu, a Moldovan YEA. “The energy of Moldova’s youth is the clearest proof that Europe’s future is built through dialogue. These past days have shown us that, regardless of the region, our shared values and desire for connection unite us more than anything.”

The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative is a non-political, voluntary, communication network connecting young people from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the EU Member States and the United Kingdom. The aim of the network is to raise awareness about the EU’s cooperation with its Eastern partner countries, showcase the tangible results of this cooperation, contribute to policy dialogue, increase civic activism and work together for a better future.

A new Macroeconomic Projections and Forecasting Model was implemented in Moldova in 2025, with support from the European Union.

The model was developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation of Moldova as part of the EU-funded project ‘Moldova is Europe – Support for EU Integration’. 

The tool provides an integrated framework for forecasting key economic indicators, linking external trends with developments in the real economy and the labour market. Further improvements are planned for 2026, with a focus on better understanding capital and financial flows.

The model was used in the preparation of Moldova’s Economic Reform Programme 2026-2028. It will also support the ministry in the assessment of the macroeconomic conditions and outlook, thus helping to align economic objectives with available public resources.

“By strengthening economic planning, the EU is helping Moldova create a more resilient economy, better jobs, and improved living standards, while advancing on its European integration path,” the EU Delegation to Moldova said in a press release.

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Press release

On 1 October, the EU-funded ‘Culture Moves Europe’ programme launched a new call for applications. The European Commission has allocated a further €25 million, enabling support for an additional 7,000 artists and cultural professionals until 2028. The programme is implemented by the Goethe-Institut.

The Call for Individual Mobility is open to artists and cultural professionals based in Creative Europe countries who wish to carry out a project in another participating country. Applicants must be aged 18 or older, and different backgrounds and levels of experience are welcome.

Covering seven sectors and featuring a straightforward application process, the scheme aims to expand access to artistic and cultural mobility across Europe and neighbouring regions.

The applicants can apply individually or as part of a group of up to 5 people. Projects can be implemented in one country and must be between 7 and 60 days long for individual projects, and between 7 and 21 days for group applications.

The grant offers a daily allowance (€85 per day of project implementation), travel (automatically calculated based on distance), green mobility top-up (€400), family top-up (€200 per child), and a visa top-up (€120). Accessibility support can also be provided.

Grants will be awarded on a monthly basis until 30 April 2026.

The call is open to artists from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Applicants based in Moldova or with Moldova as a destination, can submit their application from January 2026 onwards.

Later this year, the next Call for Residency Hosts will be open on 15 December 2025, with further calls scheduled until 2028.

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Press release

CLOSING DATE

April 30, 2026

The European Commission has launched two new calls under the ‘Digital, Industry and Space’ cluster of the Horizon Europe Work Programme, allocating €307.3 million to bolster Europe’s digital innovation and competitiveness.

A total of €221.8 million is dedicated to an initiative focusing on the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) services, innovative data services, and securing of EU strategic autonomy. The call will fund projects contributing to AI development, including actions supporting the Apply AI Strategy, robotics, quantum technologies, photonics and virtual worlds. With over €40 million dedicated to the ’Open Internet Stack Initiative’, both end-user applications and inside the stack technologies will be developed to support European sovereign digital commons. 

An additional €85.5 million is available for the second call, which will support open strategic autonomy in digital and emerging technologies and raw materials. It will focus on topics like next-gen AI agents, robotics for industrial and service applications, and the development of new materials with enhanced sensing functionalities. 

Cluster four of the Horizon Europe Work Programme, ‘Digital, Industry and Space’ is strategically designed to accelerate European leadership and competitiveness in key strategic digital sectors such as AI, quantum, future digital networks, virtual worlds and other key technologies. These calls are open to businesses, public administrations, academia, and other entities from EU Member States and partner countries, including from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine.  

The deadline for applications is 15 April 2026.  

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Press release

CLOSING DATE

April 15, 2026

Applications are now open for READY Track 2, a fully funded international training programme on safeguarding immovable, archaeological and intangible cultural heritage in the face of disasters, climate risks and complex emergencies.

Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine are among eligible countries.

READY is funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme with €1.5 million over three years, and implemented by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). The training will be hosted by the National Institute of Heritage, Romania (TBC) and implemented in collaboration with technical partners across Europe, including one agency and one museum in Ukraine.

READY Track 2 is conceived as a hybrid course. This interdisciplinary training adopts a systems-based approach to managing risks to immovable heritage – including heritage cities, sites, buildings, and archaeological remains – together with the living traditions, practices, and knowledge systems deeply connected to these places. Through multi-actor tabletop exercises and on-site emergency simulations, participants develop the ability to operate under real-time crisis conditions, apply community-centred approaches, and strengthen the resilience of heritage and associated communities. 

This course is fully funded, with no participation fee. All expenses related to travel and accommodation for the in-person training component will be covered by ICCROM. Your only requirement is a strong commitment to learning and applying your skills. 

The course is open to, but not limited to: conservation architects and engineers, heritage site managers, archaeologists, urban planners, community leaders and cultural bearers, professionals from civil protection, disaster risk management, climate science, humanitarian response and fire risk management; and military and emergency responders involved in heritage protection.

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. 

The course will be conducted in English. However, the multilingual team of resource persons will assist participants in understanding core concepts and key terms where necessary. Additionally, a multilingual glossary and bibliography will be provided to further support and enhance the learning experience.

Find out more

Press release

CLOSING DATE

March 31, 2026

The Republic of Moldova continues its path toward European integration by improving the way food products are inspected. The new measures introduce reforms in food quality control through expanding the number of food products and substances checked, as well as enhanced verification of labeling and compliance of imported products. 

The European Union’s support for the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) of the Republic of Moldova is a key pillar in Moldova’s preparation for integration into the EU single market, to align with European food safety and consumer protection standards.

In over more than 10 years of cooperation with Moldova, the European Union has supported several key actions that have transformed ANSA’s activity, readiness and performance:

1. Modernization of Border Control Posts (BCPs)

The EU financed the construction and equipment of inspection posts at strategic points. In 2016, the first three modern inspection posts were commissioned: Tudora, Criva, and Giurgiulești. With support from the World Bank and the EU, investments were made in infrastructure to align with European standards.

New buildings were established at ANSA border inspection posts, equipped with unloading areas, refrigerated storage facilities for perishable goods, and compliant inspection spaces.

The posts were also equipped with mobile laboratories, scanners, and sampling instruments that allow for rapid checks without damaging the goods.

2. Digitalization of Processes (TRACES System)

An important step was the implementation and integration with European IT systems. In 2017, with EU support, the Republic of Moldova began using the TRACES system (Trade Control and Expert System), which allows online tracking of shipments of animals and products of animal origin.

This also led to the creation of a single-window system through simplified procedures and the digitalization of phytosanitary and veterinary certificates, reducing the risk of corruption and human error.

In the same year, the Information System “Management of the Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates” was implemented, requiring inspectors to issue certificates exclusively through the electronic system.

In 2024, the security of the TRACES NT system was upgraded through the introduction of multi-factor authentication (MFA), aligning ANSA with the EU’s updated cybersecurity protocols.

Over 80 students from the “Vasile Alecsandri” Theoretical High School in Chișinău learned more about the European Union (EU) during the event “More EU in Moldova,” organized by the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) together with the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova. The students explored an interactive EU–YEA fair and participated in an open dialogue with Iwona Piórko, EU Ambassador to Moldova, and content creator Cătălin Lungu.

The activity brought together six Young European Ambassadors from the Republic of Moldova and five peers from Romania, France, Italy, and Ukraine, strengthening cross-border dialogue and the exchange of experiences between youth from EU member states and Moldova. The EU–YEA fair included thematic stands organized by the Young European Ambassadors and the StratCom project team. Through interactive games, quizzes, and informal discussions, students tested their knowledge about the European Union, discovered relevant information about Europe, and learned more about the concrete results of EU–Moldova cooperation.

The event continued with a joint presentation that brought together students from multiple classes and addressed key topics, including EU-Moldova cooperation, the core values of the European Union, the country’s accession process, and the Economic Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, the largest financial support package provided by the EU. The session concluded with an interactive contest organized by the Young European Ambassadors, encouraging active participation and open dialogue.

Addressing the students, Iwona Piórko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “Supporting and empowering young people is a key priority for the European Union. That is why programs like Erasmus+, EU4Youth, internships, exchanges, and training exist — to open doors, help you connect, and provide the tools you need to grow and develop. But these opportunities make a difference only if you choose to take a step forward. Be curious. Be courageous. Apply, get involved, ask questions, challenge ideas, and bring your energy to your communities. Your voice matters in shaping Moldova’s future, so dare to use it.”

Organized at a defining moment for the relations between the European Union and Moldova and for the country’s European path, the initiative aims to engage young people and the wider public through accessible and interactive activities, highlighting the EU’s role as a strategic partner and its support for future generations. Valeria Cabac, Young European Ambassador in Moldova, said: “It is inspiring to see how motivated students are to learn more about the EU and Moldova’s European path. These meetings help young people feel more confident in their role in shaping the future,” while Juliette Coiffard, Young European Ambassador from the EU, added: “Such meetings demonstrate the importance of dialogue with young people for strengthening mutual understanding between Moldova and the European Union. Young people are at the center of our shared European future.”

The event in Chișinău marks the beginning of a series of awareness-raising activities that will involve a total of three schools. The program will continue in Ungheni and Soroca until February 26, with further school visits, EU-YEA fairs, and discussions focused on youth opportunities and EU-Moldova cooperation. Host schools are part of the national network of Euro Clubs and EU Information Centers. Across Moldova, 30 such entities function as local engagement platforms, organizing activities and facilitating discussions on European topics within their communities.

Context

The Young European Ambassadors (YEA) initiative is a non-political, voluntary, and vibrant communication network that connects and builds bridges of friendship among youth from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, EU member states, and the United Kingdom. The network’s goal is to raise awareness about EU cooperation with Eastern Partnership countries, present tangible results of this cooperation, contribute to political dialogue on various topics, enhance civic activism, and work together for a better future. The YEA initiative was launched by the European Union in 2016 and has involved over 1,700 young people from more than 34 countries to date.

Young European Ambassadors | Young European Ambassadors in Moldova
EU Delegation to Moldova

The “Strategic Communication and Media Support in the Republic of Moldova” (StratCom) project aims to strengthen public understanding of the partnership between the European Union and Moldova, promote access to credible information, and reinforce democratic resilience. Website: www.eu4moldova.eu

EUNEIGHBOURS EAST is a regional communication program funded by the European Union, aiming to improve EU communication in Eastern Partnership countries, strengthen public understanding of the European Union and its policies, and increase societal resilience against disinformation. The program complements and supports the communication activities of EU Delegations in partner countries and operates under the coordination of the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy of the European Commission and the European External Action Service. Website: www.euneighbourseast.eu