The European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL) was awarded on Friday evening to Italian writer Nicoletta Verna for her historical novel I Giorni di Vetro (The Days of Glass) at a ceremony held at Book World Prague 2025.
The Prize is organised by a Consortium of associations made up of the Federation of European Publishers (FEP) and the European and International Booksellers Federation (EIBF), with the support of the EU Creative Europe Programme.
Altogether 13 emerging authors had been nominated in March by national jurys, knowledgeable about the literary scene in their countries and used to promoting their national literature abroad. All shortlisted authors will be promoted on a European stage, with the aim to reach a wider and international audience, as well as to connect with readers beyond their national and linguistic borders.
Two among them received special mentions by a seven-member European jury which reviewed the translated excerpts and synopses of shortlisted works. The two special mentions were in alphabetical order by country: Philippe Marczewski, Belgium, for Quand Cécile (When Cécile), and Sheila Armstrong, Ireland for Falling Animals.
Nicoletta Verna’s novel is set in Italy during the rise of fascism and WWII and describes the dramatic lives of two women whose destinies happen to intersect. One is married to a member of the Fascist Party, the other is in love with a partisan leader.
“My wholehearted congratulations to this year’s laureates of the European Union Prize for Literature”, said Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. “They are flag bearers of our European talents, diversity and values, and I am glad that, through this Prize, we are helping these stories find new echoes in minds and imaginations across borders.”
Sonia Draga, FEP President, said: “Stories have the power to bridge borders, and we are proud to support the translation and circulation of your works across the continent. Reading across languages opens minds, fosters empathy, and strengthens our shared European identity.”
The Grand Prix laureate received €10,000 and funding for two translations (80%). Each of the two special mentions receive €5,000 and funding for one translation (80%), while the other shortlisted authors will receive a financial contribution for one translation (60%). All shortlisted authors will be actively promoted at European level.
The 13 shortlisted titles are:
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The Brussels Times
