VOLIA – The Special Programme for Publishers from Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries is an intensive training and networking programme for publishers, editors, foreign rights managers and literary agents from Armenia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia. Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Ukraine. The programme will take place from 4 to 10 October 2026 in Frankfurt.
For us, Ukrainians, “Volia” is more than freedom — it is a fundamental national code that unites independence, courage, and the strength to resist. It is inner resilience and the readiness to defend one’s destiny and values. Today, Volia reflects the unbreakable will of the Ukrainian people to defend our country and win, and the determination of our publishers to continue their work in the hardest circumstances. This programme carries that spirit beyond borders, strengthening regional cooperation and uniting the international publishing community in solidarity. Inspired by volia, we affirm that culture, like freedom, endures — and moves forward together
— Yuliia Кozlovets, Director, International Book Arsenal Festival.
Participation requirements are at least two years of professional experience in publishing with a focus on rights and licensing trade and a good command of English.
The programme offers:
- Digital and on-site exchange of information
- Professional dialogue across national borders
- Matchmaking events
- Numerous networking opportunities at Frankfurter Buchmesse
Participants-2026:
- Ūla Ambrasaitė (Founder, Publisher, LAPAS Books, Lithuania)
- Marta Górska (Rights Sales Manager, Poznań Publishing Group, Poland)
- Veronika Holubenko (Foreign Rights Manager, Athena, Ukraine)
- Kristīne Jonuša (International Projects & Rights Director, Liels un Mazs, Latvia)
- Anna Karnauh (Editor-in-Chief, Projector Publishing, Ukraine)
- Eva Kecková (Editor, NLN, s. r. o., Czech Republic)
- Leelo Märjamaa (Founder and publisher , Draakon & Kuu, Estonia)
- Shynggys Mukan (Founder & CEO, Mazmundama Publishing, Kazakhstan)
- Barna Némethi (CEO, Curtea Veche Publishing, Romania)
- Elisabed Pirtskhalava (International Project Manager, Palitra L Publishing, Georgia)
- Galina Popova (Editor, Editor-in-Chief and Founder, Ecrier Publishing House, Bulgaria)
- Gabriella Sinka (Head of Marketing, Scolar Publishing, Hungary)
The Special Programme for Publishers from Ukraine and neighboring countries is a professional programme launched by Frankfurter Buchmesse in 2022 as part of a strategic partnership and in cooperation with the International Book Arsenal Festival and Goethe-Institut Ukraine.
The Special Programme for Publishers from Ukraine and neighboring countries is subject to financial support by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Information partner in Ukraine – Chytomo.