From 26 to 29 March 2026, Brussels will host one of Europe’s key literary events — the Brussels Book Fair 2026. The 55th anniversary edition of the fair will traditionally take place at the Tour & Taxis venue.
This year’s theme is Challenging the Future — the organisers invite visitors to reflect on the role of literature in shaping critical thinking and our vision of the future.
The fair’s programme includes over 350 events, including public discussions, readings, performances and meetings with authors. More than 1,200 writers and 300 exhibitors are expected to attend — ranging from major international publishers to independent cultural initiatives. Confirmed participants include renowned European authors, notably Andrzej Sapkowski and Amélie Nothomb.
Ukraine is taking part for the second time — at the collective stand of the Network of European Cultural Institutes (EUNIC), where Ukrainian publications will be showcased. On 27 March at 14:00, a public discussion entitled Traduire le présent, défier le futur will take place — focusing on translation in the broadest sense: between the military and civilians, the post-totalitarian East and the West, memory and the present. The discussion will feature veteran and writer Pavlo Matyusha, Georgian writer and journalist Tea Topuria, and diplomat Marilyn Josephson. It will be moderated by Mykyta Moskalyuk. Ukraine’s participation is organised by the Ukrainian Book Institute, the Frontiera Literary Platform, and the Algorithm of Action platform.
In addition to the literary programme, the fair also has a professional component: special days for publishers, educators and cultural institutions, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting reading among young people.