European Union Prize for Literature announces the 2023 nominees

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.

Spotlighting the creativity and the immense and diverse wealth of Europe’s contemporary literature in the field of fiction, EUPL aims to promote the circulation of literature within Europe and encourages greater interest in non-national literary works.

Following a successful 2022 edition, which introduced changes to the overall organisation of the Prize, we are proud to reveal today the list of 13 nominees for the EUPL 2023 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.

We are pleased to announce this year’s nominees:

•       Armenia: Lusine Kharatyan, ՍԻՐԻԱՎԵՊ (A Syrian Affair), Publisher: Granish

•       Croatia: Martina Vidaić, Stjenice (Bedbugs), Publisher: Naklada Ljevak

•       Cyprus: Χάρη Ν. Σπανού (Hari N. Spanou), Φυλάκιο (The Outpost), Publisher: Εκδόσεις Αιγαίον (Aegan Publications)

•       Czechia: Ondřej Štindl, Tolik popela (So Much Ash), Publisher: Argo

•       Estonia: Tõnis Tootsen, Ahvide pasteet. Ühe ahvi mälestusi ja mõtteid (Pâté of the Apes: One Primate’s Thoughts and Memories), Publisher: Kaarnakivi Seltsi Kirjastus

•       Finland: Iida Rauma, Hävitys (Destruction), Publisher: Siltala Publishing

•       France: Maud Simonnot, L’heure des oiseaux (The Hour of Birds), Publisher: Editions de l’Observatoire

·       Kosovo: Ag Apolloni, Kësulëkuqja, përrallë për të rritur (Red Riding Hood, a fairy tale for adults), Publisher : Bard Books

·       Liechtenstein: Anna Ospelt, Fruhe pflanzung (Early Planting), Publisher: Limmat

•       Luxembourg: Jeff Schinker, Ma vie sous les tentes (My life in tents), Publisher: Hydre Éditions

•       Montenegro: Ilija Đurović, Sampas, Publisher: Treći Trg

•       Poland: Sabina Jakubowska, Akuszerki (The Midwives), Publisher: Grupa Wydawnicza Relacja

•       Sweden: Marit Kapla, Kärlek på svenska (Love in Swedish), Publisher: Teg Publishing

The seven members of the European jury will now read excerpts from all the nominated books and make their choice in the upcoming month to award one EUPL Prize winner for this edition, together with recognising five special mentions.

The 2023 EUPL Prize winner and the five special mentions will be revealed on 28 April, during the announcement ceremony at the Leipzig Book Fair.

All nominated authors will be continuously promoted on a 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.

Mariya Gabriel, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: “The European Union Prize for Literature sheds light on talented authors, whose works depict our lives, and touch our hearts. Heartfelt congratulations to the thirteen nominees ! See you in Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 to reward the winners of this exciting literary competition!”

Ricardo Franco Levi, President of FEP, said: “Today, the life of 13 emerging authors will change for the better. They were already recognised and praised in their own territory and now, we spotlight them for publishers across Europe and beyond, to check their profile, read large translated extracts which will soon be available, and consider expanding their lists with new voices”

Jean-Luc Treutenaere, Co-President of EIBF said: “EUPL 2023 features 13 brilliant nominated authors from all corners of Europe, once again highlighting the continent’s cultural richness and diversity. Last year, we witnessed the Prize’s new format for the first time: a European jury recognized five special mentions and one overall winner. Yet, all nominated authors can be considered winners for their wonderful contribution to the European contemporary literary world. This year is no different. On behalf of the European and International Booksellers Federation, I want to congratulate this year’s nominees for their great work and I’m looking forward to finding their novels on display in bookshops across Europe.”