Before being named Guest of Honour for the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, Slovenia had already spent decades quietly making its mark at the world’s biggest publishing event. With a steady, thoughtful presence, Slovenian authors, publishers, and institutions have built a path leading to this moment—step by step, book by book.
This journey hasn’t just been about selling titles. It’s been about earning recognition, building relationships, and proving that a small country with a rich literary heritage has something meaningful to say on the global stage.
Let’s take a look at the key milestones, standout years, and unforgettable moments that shaped Slovenia’s presence at the Frankfurt Book Fair—leading to its headline role in 2025.
Table of Contents
Beginnings
Slovenia first participated in the Frankfurt Book Fair as an independent country in the early 1990s, shortly after gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.
The earliest national stand appeared in 1993, when Slovenian publishers and the Ministry of Culture came together to present a modest but meaningful selection of titles. It was a quiet debut, but an important one—Slovenia was officially stepping onto the world’s literary stage.
Building Presence
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Slovenia gradually expanded its presence. While the national stand remained small compared to larger countries, it became a consistent and reliable fixture.
In these early years, the focus was on establishing relationships with international publishers, translators, and literary agents.
Key goals included:
- Promoting Slovene-language literature abroad
- Encouraging translation funding
- Introducing Slovenian authors to foreign editors and festival organizers
This groundwork helped lay the foundation for deeper engagement in future years.
First Highlights
The early 2000s brought a few breakthrough moments for Slovenian literature at Frankfurt:
- 2004: Slovenia held a major panel discussion on translation and identity in Central Europe, attracting notable publishers and critics.
- 2006: A special showcase of contemporary Slovenian poetry gained attention, thanks in part to bilingual editions available at the fair.
- 2008: Slovenian writer Drago Jančar was invited to high-profile literary events, and his translated works began gaining traction in Germany.
These milestones may not have made headlines globally, but they showed that Slovenian literature could stand alongside other respected European traditions.
Growing Recognition
By the 2010s, Slovenia’s presence at the fair became more refined and professional.
- 2011: The Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) took over organizing the national stand, improving coordination and visibility.
- 2013: The fair included a Slovenia Day, featuring author readings and publisher roundtables.
- 2015: Slovenia expanded its translation support programs, making it easier for German and English publishers to license and promote Slovenian titles.
This period saw a rise in translated fiction, poetry, and children’s literature. Authors like Goran Vojnović and Mojca Kumerdej gained more international attention, and Slovenian illustrators began appearing in global catalogues.
Towards Guest of Honour
The road to Guest of Honour officially began in 2020, when Slovenia submitted its bid. Backed by the Ministry of Culture, the Slovenian Book Agency, and several publishing associations, the proposal emphasized Slovenia’s poetic tradition, multilingualism, and strong publishing infrastructure.
- 2021: Slovenia was confirmed as Guest of Honour for 2023, but the role was later moved to 2025 due to the global rescheduling caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2023: Slovenia launched its official pre-fair campaign. Events were held at Leipzig and Bologna Book Fairs, introducing the Honeycomb of Words slogan and branding.
From 2023 to 2025, Slovenia’s preparation shifted into high gear, including:
- Dozens of books translated into German and English
- Author training for international media
- Partnerships with German publishers and bookstores
- Cultural programs linking literature to music, art, and film
2025 and Beyond
Slovenia’s role as Guest of Honour at Frankfurt 2025 is not just a recognition of its literary culture—it’s a celebration of everything built along the way.
From a small national stand in 1993 to a full-scale cultural takeover in 2025, Slovenia has grown into a respected voice in European literature.
And the legacy won’t stop after the fair. The visibility gained will likely lead to:
- Increased translation of Slovenian books
- Greater participation in global literary events
- Stronger publishing connections between Slovenia and the rest of the world
Slovenia’s journey at Frankfurt shows how long-term investment in books, language, and culture can lead to big moments—especially when you’re not afraid to let your stories speak.
FAQs
When did Slovenia first join the fair?
Slovenia first participated as an independent nation in 1993.
Who organizes Slovenia’s presence?
The Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) coordinates its official participation.
What was a key early milestone?
In 2008, Drago Jančar gained wider attention for his translated works.
When was Slovenia named Guest of Honour?
Slovenia was selected in 2021 and will be featured in 2025.
What is the ‘Honeycomb of Words’?
It’s Slovenia’s 2025 slogan, symbolizing creativity and literary connection.
