Conversation with the author of the Open Letter to Europe 2025

A panel discussion with the author Gojko Božović, who will elucidate the main points in his letter addressing Europe and highlighting the most pressing current issues. The letter is delivered to Members of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Commission.

Moderator: Petra Lesjak Tušek

About the Open Letter to Europe
The letter addresses Europe and the world with the aim of bringing the language of art back into public discourse. Each year, the festival’s artistic directors select an outstanding poet and give them a unique opportunity to speak to Europe and highlight the issues they consider most pressing.

The first Open Letter to Europe was written in 2017 by Flemish author Stefan Hertmans, followed by Athena Farrokhzad, Ilija Trojanow, Krisztina Tóth, Durs Grünbein, Chus Pato, David Harsent, and Jacek Dehnel.

All Open Letters to Europe are published on the festival’s website and as a special printed edition. Every Member of the European Parliament, as well as members of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, receives a personal copy. Furthermore, they are published by major national and international media, and thus carry significant weight throughout Europe.

Learn more about the project and past letters here.