Objectives of the prize
The Prize aims to:
- showcase Europe’s diversity and richness of contemporary fiction
- raise the profile of winning authors outside their home country and help them cross borders and reach a broader readership
- promote the publication, translation, sales and ultimately, the reading of books from other European countries
- encourage transnational circulation of literature, both in Europe and beyond
How the prize is organised
Every year in February, 14 Writers and their books are nominated nationally, 1 for each participating country. All nominated authors are promoted across Europe, with the aim of reaching a wider international audience, and connecting with readers beyond their national and linguistic borders. In April a European jury of 7 is awarding 1 “Grand prix” and 5 special mentions in different categories from the list of the 14 nominated writers.
The prize runs in 3-year long cycles, allowing all 41 countries participating in the Creative Europe programme to nominate a writer. The current cycle is organised by a consortium consisting of the Federation of European Publishers (FEP) and the International and European Booksellers Federation (EIBF).