site.btaGeorgi Gospodinov Wins 2025 Vilenica International Literary Prize

Bulgarian author Georgi Gospodinov is the winner of the 2025 Vilenica Prize for Central European literature, which is presented each year at Vilenica International Literary Festival, The Slovenia Times reported on Wednesday. The award is presented by the Slovene Writers’ Association and this year marks its 40th edition. It is given to a Central European author for outstanding achievements in literature or essay writing.

In a Facebook post, Gospodinov wrote: “It’s exciting to receive an award previously given to Milan Kundera, Zbigniew Herbert, Adam Zagajewski, Olga Tokarczuk, Peter Handke, Goran Stefanovski, Miljenko Jergovic, Dubravka Ugresic... Thank you!”

The laureate is chosen by an international jury of established writers, translators, scholars, and essayists. This year’s jury is chaired by Slovenian poet, translator, radio host, and DJ Gregor Podlogar.

The jury’s statement reads: “Gospodinov writes with emotion, depth, and suspense. His writing, deeply engaged with social and historical events and focused on the invisible individual, is sometimes unpredictable and fragmented, yet masterfully cohesive—touching, unfamiliar, and laced with raw humor. In short, Georgi Gospodinov, the 40th Vilenica laureate, shows how literature can speak to everyone—today, with force and clarity.”

The award ceremony is traditionally held in the Vilenica Cave, as part of the festival. This year’s events will take place from September 8 to 13 in Ljubljana, Lokev, Sezana, Koper, Nova Gorica, and Trieste (Italy).

The festival gathers authors who, according to Slovene Writers’ Association President Marij Cuk, “shape global literary thought and change society with their presence and art.”

This year’s motto is “Brave New World – New Rules for Life,” with a focus on literary dialogue as a means of bridging divides.