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Cyprus Loses European Literary Event Due to Inaction by Culture Deputy Ministry

Published February 25, 2026, 14:14
Cyprus Loses European Literary Event Due to Inaction by Culture Deputy Ministry

Cyprus has lost the opportunity to host the 2026 annual General Assembly of the European Writers’ Council (EWC), with the Cyprus Writers’ Union (CWU) blaming the Culture Deputy Ministry for the development. The CWU argues that the delay in approving funding for the event, despite the initial positive response from the Deputy Ministry, led to the cancellation of hosting the Assembly in Larnaca and its relocation to Brussels. The CWU had submitted a timely funding application in December 2025, following a recommendation from the Deputy Ministry, but never received a response despite repeated appeals. The lack of institutional assurance made it impossible to assume financial responsibility for the event, resulting in the EWC’s decision to move the Assembly. The CWU believes that the loss of the event is not an isolated incident but is part of a broader context of administrative dysfunction and delays in the cultural sector. It points to serious delays, ambiguity of responsibilities, and a lack of coordination, also referring to problems in the evaluation process of proposals under the “CULTURE III” Program. The EWC General Assembly is an important platform for shaping policies on copyright, freedom of expression, and the promotion of literature in Europe. The cancellation of the event in Cyprus represents a loss of a significant opportunity for international cultural promotion and substantial presence on the European literary map.

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