Gvantsa Jobava, IPA President said: This new award complements the IPA Prix Voltaire and Prix Voltaire Special Award by enabling us to recognise those active in the broader book sector working to protect the freedoms that secure diverse books for readers.

Jessica Sänger, Chair of the IPA’s Freedom to Publish Committee added: It requires constant effort for authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians and readers to be free to write, publish, sell, lend and read the books they want. We are keen to hear about efforts in different countries and regions and celebrate the best of them.

The IPA has made available a brochure presenting the award on their website here. Publishers and publishers associations can submit nomination using this form until 31 March 2026. The inaugural laureate will be announced at Frankfurt Book Fair.

Criteria and distinction between IPA’s prizes.

  Prix Voltaire Special Award IPA Freedom of Expression Defenders Award
Eligible – Publishers

 

 Individuals – Book sector, NGOs, International organisations
Who nominates Anyone Anyone – Publishers

– Publishers’ associations
Criteria – Publisher

– Demonstrated bravery

– Upholding Freedom to Publish

 

 – Posthumous

– Book sector

– Commitment to freedom of expression and freedom to publish.

 – Support for the trinity of freedoms (freedom of expression, freedom to read, freedom to publish)
Frequency Annual Occasional Annual

Nominations for the IPA Prix Voltaire are also open until 23 February 2026. More information here.