Culture Minister Lina Mendoni inaugurated the 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TIBF) on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the TIF-HELEXPO International Exhibition Center. This year’s event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and organized by the Hellenic Book and Culture Foundation (ELIVIP), is the premier cultural event for the book world in Southeast Europe and beyond.

With the central theme “Generation of Readers / Book Creators,” this year’s fair is inextricably linked to ELIVIP’s Year of Reading 2026-27, aiming to foster a new culture of reading. In her opening remarks, the Minister of Culture emphasized the importance of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair as a strategic pillar of national book policy and the international outreach of Greek creators.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni stated during the opening ceremony: “In an era of sweeping changes and technological challenges, such as the rise of artificial intelligence, the Thessaloniki International Book Fair serves as an ideal laboratory for reflection on the future of reading. The institution’s success is based on the fortunate convergence of government support and the growing interest of civil society, which has consistently upheld the book as an irreplaceable cultural asset. Through a rich program of talks, the Fair offers a true panorama of thought, seeking compelling answers to the challenges facing the culture of reading. At the same time, this year’s event highlights its dual nature, combining high aesthetics with meticulous preparation, serving as a faithful reflection of the nation’s publishing output. The Fair has proven its resilience, overcoming the difficulties of the economic crisis and now achieving unwavering self-confidence. The institution is entering a phase of full maturity, strengthening its international reach and its collaboration with Thessaloniki’s dynamic cultural organizations. I would like to thank ELIVIP President Nikos Bakounakis for the excellent organization, as well as the Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Culture, Victor Stoyanov, because his presence demonstrates that the dynamic literature of our neighboring country is constantly gaining a wider audience throughout Europe.”

ELIVIP President Nikos Bakounakis stated: “The 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair has now become a dynamic meeting point for ideas, adopting the most sustainable, hybrid international model that combines commercial, professional, and cultural elements. With the central slogan “A Generation of Readers, Book Creators,” we are focusing on reading and technology, enhancing our outreach through digital platforms. I would like to warmly thank the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for the Ministry’s unwavering support, which is crucial for the institution’s advancement. ELIVIP’s goal remains a Thessaloniki International Book Fair that makes books visible and accessible to the entire society, while this year highlighting the literary output of the guest of honor, Bulgaria.”

Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Culture Victor Stoyanov stated: “It is a great privilege for Bulgaria to participate as the guest of honor at the 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair, an institution that embodies the spirit of cultural dialogue in our region. The literary ties between our two countries are deep and enduring, forged by great writers and translators who serve as living bridges of communication. The growing presence of Bulgarian literature in Greece confirms the power of cultural diplomacy. We warmly thank the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for her support and commitment. Greece and Bulgaria, as close allies and friends, celebrate together the power of the spirit.”

The President of TIF-HELEXPO, Christos Tsentemeidis, referred to the close collaboration between TIF-HELEXPO and the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (ELIVIP), while emphasizing that “we will continue to support an event that is fully identified with Thessaloniki, which has offered the city so much and highlights its cultural dynamism and its ability to bring together and harmonize different cultures.”

“This year’s event is further proof of the success of an important and influential institution that is making its mark on Thessaloniki,” said Deputy Minister of the Interior (responsible for Macedonia-Thrace) Konstantinos Gkioulekas at the start of his opening remarks, while making special mention of Thessaloniki’s relationship with books. In particular, he emphasized: “In Thessaloniki, we read—and we read voraciously. Because when you start your day in this city, you encounter culture at every turn: in the monuments, in the history, in everything that shapes its identity.”

In his remarks, Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis extended his warm congratulations to the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture and its President, Nikos Bakounakis, for organizing yet another high-quality exhibition that promotes reading, fosters creativity, and highlights the decisive role of books in contemporary society.

“The book, this irreplaceable cultural asset, remains a pillar of knowledge, critical thinking, and intellectual cultivation,” he noted.

“The Thessaloniki International Book Fair has established Thessaloniki and Central Macedonia as a dynamic hub of culture and creativity on the international book scene,” said Athina Aidona, Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, describing it as “an open forum for the exchange of ideas among people and cultures that sends a resounding message of openness.” She concluded: “As the Region of Central Macedonia, we stand firmly by the Thessaloniki International Book Fair and will continue to provide active support in the years to come.”

The author from the Guest of Honor country, Theodora Dimova, remarked in her own greeting: “When we speak of contemporary literature, we must first express our gratitude to the translators and mediators between the two languages, because they are the bridges upon which we walk. When a bridge is built, it is done with the expectation that many others will cross it, that there will be movement.”

This year’s fair features 318 exhibitors and over 25 foreign authors, while the guest of honor, Bulgaria, is represented by iconic voices of its contemporary literature, such as Elena Alexieva, Teodora Dimova, and Rene Karabash. Particular emphasis is placed on the Professional Program, where 40 distinguished professionals, including representatives from international publishing houses such as Penguin Random House and Gallimard, will discuss the future of publishing, the challenges of Artificial Intelligence, and the “Spanish phenomenon” in the book market.

Meanwhile, the Children’s and Teen Program, which this year specifically began in March in collaboration with schools in the Region of Central Macedonia, includes 104 events, with the expected participation of more than 2,500 students from Northern Greece from general and special education schools, and with the goal not simply of participation but also of creating content to be presented at the fair.