Frankfurter Buchmesse in cooperation with the International Book Arsenal Festival and Goethe-Institut Ukraine announce the open call for the fifth season of the Special Programme for publishers from Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
This year the Special Programme is being given a new name: «VOLIA — Special Programme for Publishers from Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries».
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 Kozlovets, Director of the International Book Arsenal Festival.
Photo: © Frankfurter Buchmesse, Nurettin Ciçek
Who can apply?
As in the previous years, publishers, editors, foreign rights managers and literary agents from Armenia, Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine can apply for the programme. This year, publishing professionals from the Baltic countries of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are also eligible.
15 publishing professionals from all eligible countries will be selected for the programme.
The programme will take place from 4 to 10 October 2026 in Frankfurt.
The participation in the Programme includes:
- preparatory online seminars with advice on participation in Frankfurter Buchmesse and presentations of the book markets of the countries participating in the Programme;
- one-day seminar with experts of the German book market;
- participation in the official opening of Frankfurter Buchmesse;
- numerous events and opportunities for establishing professional contacts with international partners during Frankfurter Buchmesse;
- “VOLIA Networking Market” with 1:1 meetings for programme’s alumnae and alumni at Frankfurter Buchmesse.
Participation requirements:
- at least two years of professional experience in publishing with a focus on rights and licensing trade;
- a good command of English;
- selected participants must confirm their availability during the whole duration of the programme.
The Programme covers participants’ expenses for accommodation in Frankfurt and meals (partially); book fair tickets; participants will also be able to apply for reimbursement of travel expenses.
You can apply for participation in the Programme via online form on the Frankfurter Buchmesse website. The deadline for applications is 10 April 2026.
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.