Three European PEN centers agree to closer cooperation at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
PEN Germany, PEN Slovakia, and PEN Czech Republic decided to establish the PEN Europe network at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 8, 2026. With a joint memorandum, the three writers' associations aim to strengthen their cooperation, coordinate European projects, and jointly advocate for freedom of expression.
The memorandum was discussed at the PEN Germany booth and signed by the presidents of the participating centers. PEN President Matthias Politycki signed for Germany, and President Vladimír Skalský for Slovakia. The president of the Czech PEN Center, Ondřej Vaculík, participated virtually.
PEN Europe aims to gain more members
The new network sees itself as a coordination structure within PEN International. It aims to facilitate cooperation on regional and pan-European projects and to promote exchange between national PEN centers.
The basis is the principles of the PEN Charter. These include the free dissemination of ideas, mutual respect between nations, and the fight against hatred and political oppression.
The adopted memorandum initially forms the basis for PEN Europe. Other European PEN centers are invited to join. Once additional members have been recruited, a more detailed version of the agreement will be drafted.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/PEN Germany, Felix Hille)
Featured image: Signing of the PEN Europe Memorandum of Understanding at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2026. Photo: PEN Germany
