Ukrainian writer, musician, volunteer and serviceman Serhij Zhadan (Сергій Жадан) has been awarded the 2025 Austrian State Prize for European Literature. This is the first time a Ukrainian author has been distinquished with this award, which is presented by Austria’s Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport.
The Austrian State Prize for European Literature (Österreichischer Staatspreis für Europäische Literatur) has been awarded since 1965, recognising the literary oeuvre of a European author who has enjoyed international recognition, which is evinced by translations. Their work must also be available in German translation. The prize is endowed with €25,000. The award ceremony was held by Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Arts and Culture Andreas Babler on 25 July 2025, during a ceremony at the Salzburger Festspiele. Previous winners include Joanna Bator, Marie NDiaye, Ali Smith, László Krasznahorkai, Drago Jancar, Michel Houellebecq, and Zadie Smith.
- Suhrkamp Verlag (1 July 2025): Serhij Zhadan Awarded the 2025 Austrian State Prize for European Literature