European Union Prize for Literature: Commissioner Gabriel awards 13 emerging authors

Mariya Gabriel, Commission for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, will welcome tonight the 13 laureates of the 2021 edition announced in May, in the presence of Sabine Verheyen, Chairwoman of the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament, and Dr Vasko Simoniti, Minister for Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, representing the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Commissioner will highlight the main achievements of EU cultural policy and the Creative Europe programme including its support for literary translation. In anticipation of the event, Commissioner Gabriel said: “The European Prize for Literature celebrates the cultural diversity that our continent has to offer. It promotes the access of EU citizens to contemporary European literature and enhances the visibility of European writers. The Prize showcases the creativity and diversity of the European literature, recognising the importance of the book sector.” The Prize is awarded annually to new and emerging authors, recognising literary talent from all corners of Europe. It highlights the wealth of contemporary European literature as well as Europe’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage. National juries comprised of publishers, booksellers, authors and critics select the winners from each of the participating countries. Each winner will also receive a prize of €5,000. The competition is open to the 40 countries participating in Creative Europe.  More information on the Prize as well as on the 2021 winning authors and their books can be found here.