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Call for applications
VOLIA - Special Programme for publishers from Ukraine and neighbouring countries
Dear reader,
For the fifth year in a row, publishing professionals from Ukraine & Neighbouring Countries can apply for the intensive training and networking professional programme curated and organized by Frankfurter Buchmesse and International Book Arsenal Festival in cooperation with Goethe-Institute Ukraine and Chytomo, with financial support by the German Federal Foreign Office.
New name
For the fifth edition of the programme, the ‘Special Programme’ is being given a new name: ‘Volia - Special Programme for Publishers from Ukraine and Neighbouring Countries’. The term Volia can be translated as “will” or ‘freedom’; it describes the inner driving force that overcomes all obstacles and thus expresses the essence of the Ukrainian philosophy of life.
“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 |
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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.
NEW this year: publishing professionals from the Baltic countries Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are also eligible.
15 publishing professionals from all eligible countries will be selected for the programme.
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The programme will take place from 4 to 10 October 2026 in Frankfurt and offers the following:
- Online preparation seminars in summer 2026
- Two-days seminar with market presentations and talks with German experts in Frankfurt
- Matchmaking events and numerous networking opportunities during Frankfurter Buchmesse
- NEW: “VOLIA Networking Market” with 1:1 meetings for programme’s alumnae and alumni at Frankfurter Buchmesse
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Conditions of participation |
- At least 2 years of experience in publishing
- Experience in buying or selling translation rights
- Good command of English
- Selected participants must confirm their availability during the whole duration of the programme
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If you are interested and fulfill the requirements, please apply online:
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| Application deadline is 10 April 2026. |
We have interviewed our former participant Slava Svitova from Creative Women, Ukraine together with German publisher and former head of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association Karin Schmidt-Friedrich.
In the interview, they talk about female leadership, independence as a strength and a burden, book design as an attitude, and international cooperation as an act of solidarity. |
Please share the information on the call in your countries and help us grow the VOLIA Special Programme network! |
We are looking forward to meeting you in Frankfurt.
Warm regards,
Niki Théron & Vladka Kupska with Yulia Kozlovets (International Book Arsenal Festival) and Mariia Shubchyk (Goethe-Institut Ukraine) |
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© 2026 Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH |
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