The Special Programme for female and male publishers from Ukraine and neighbouring countries is intended for professionals working in publishing – in editorial teams, in the field of foreign rights and licensing, as well as in literary agencies. Participants from Armenia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic and Ukraine may apply; newly also from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
The fifth edition is titled Volia (translated as “will” or “freedom”) and refers to the inner strength to overcome obstacles – a concept that reflects the essence of the Ukrainian philosophy of life.
The programme includes seminars held online and in person in Frankfurt, book market presentations, matchmaking meetings and numerous networking opportunities during the Frankfurter Buchmesse. The initiative is supported by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany; curation and organisation are provided by Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH in cooperation with the International Book Arsenal Festival and Goethe-Institut Ukraine.
A minimum of two years of professional experience in publishing with a focus on rights and licensing trade and a good command of English are required for participation. Selected participants commit to attending the entire duration of the programme; all scheduled activities are mandatory.
Application deadline: 10 April 2026
Programme dates: 4–10 October 2026 (arrival on Sunday, 4 October; end on Saturday, 10 October)
Further details and the application form can be found on the Frankfurter Buchmesse website.