EURead Annual General Meeting 2026

Posted on March 12, 2026April 14, 2026 by EURead

EURead is pleased to announce its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), dedicated this year to a theme at the heart of our mission and work across Europe: The Right to Read.

This year we will be meeting in Stockholm, Sweden as our AGM is being hosted by the Bonnier Family Foundation and co-hosted by the Swedish Arts Council. The venues are Swedish Arts Council on day 1 and the Bonnier Publishing House on day 2.

Since 2012 we have stated that ‘Across Europe, more than 73 million adults struggle with low literacy, and 1 in 4 students does not reach basic proficiency in reading,’ based on a Maastricht University publication. In 2026, based on more recent OECD PIAAC data (2025) we still have to conclude that that 20-25% of European adults have low functional literacy. With a total EU population of 500 million, the 73 million number was a conservative estimate at the time.

These realities underscore an urgent truth: reading is not merely a skill — it is a fundamental human right, essential for personal development, democratic participation, social mobility, and a thriving society. In our 2024 Statement on Reading and Literacy, EURead members collectively called on European leaders to recognise reading and critical literacy as foundational for democracy, wellbeing, and economic resilience. The 2025 EURead publication Reading: The Hidden Infrastructure of European Competitiveness calls for recognition of the profound connection between reading, functional literacy, and human development from the earliest years of life is key to unlocking Europe’s potential.

This year’s AGM will again bring together our members to:

reaffirm The Right to Read as a universal human right
discuss strategies for guaranteeing equitable access to books, libraries, and reading promotion programmes
share successful initiatives and research on literacy, early reading, and critical reading in democratic societies

EURead continues to serve as a European platform where members collectively develop approaches to secure a future in which every child, young person, and adult has full access to reading and literacy.

Almost all of our member member organisations will be participating. Partners and stakeholders committed to literacy, democracy, and equitable access are invited to contact us if they would like to join us at this important gathering.

Let us stand together to ensure that the right to read is protected, promoted, and fulfilled — for everyone, everywhere in Europe.

EURead Annual General Meeting 2026 – Draft Agenda
27th May, 2026 (Wednesday) – Annual General Meeting, Day 1
Arts Council, Swedish Filmhouse, Stockholm
9.30 – 10.00	Registration
10.00 – 11.00	Opening Ceremony of the Annual General Meeting
	Moderator: Valentina Stoeva – Chair of EURead
	– Annika Wäppling Korzinek, European Commission, Head of Representation in Sweden,
	– Lovisa Fhager Logothetis; Bonnier Family Foundation (host of the AGM2026)
	– Klara Tomson, General Director, Swedish Arts Council (co-host of the AGM 2026)
	– Parisa Liljestrand, Minister of Culture, Sweden
	– Elaina Ryan, co-chair of EURead
11.00 – 11.15	Short break
11.15 – 12.00	Moderator: Diana Gerald – co-chair of EURead
	Hanna Nordell, Managing Director of PEN Sweden
	Mats Malm, Permanent Secretary Swedish Academy
	Fabian Paagman, President of EIBF
12.00 – 13.00	Lunch at Swedish Filmhouse
12.50 – 13.00	Photo
AGM – Open Program
Swedish Arts Council
13.00 – 13.15	Opening Speech by Valentina Stoeva, Chair of EURead
13.15 – 14.15	Swedish Arts Council Showcases, including BookStart, GN Update and ALMA
14.15 – 14.45	Coffee Break

14.45 – 15.45	Break Out Sessions
Session A	Live Literature Workshop by Agnes Török, Children’s Laureate of Sweden
Session B	School Library Act
15.45 – 16.00	Reflections on Day 1
18.00 – 20.00	Official Dinner

28th May, 2026 (Thursday) – Annual General Meeting, Day 2
Bonnier Publishing House, Room Selma
09.00 – 09.10	Warm-up
09.10 – 10.30	General Assembly – Members Only Moderator: Diana Gerald – co-chair of EURead
	Reports on finances, communications etc.
10.30 – 10.45	Short Break
10.45 – 12.15	The Future of EURead
12.15 – 13.15	LUNCH / CEO LUNCH
13.15 – 14.15	Break Out Sessions
Session C	Funding EU Projects, Read for Real, Reading Coalition
14.15 – 14.45	Short Break
14.45 – 15.30	The Right to Read
15.30 – 16.00	Members’ Reflections on the AGM and Closing from the Board

Join us for the pan-European celebration this fall!

Posted on September 17, 2025September 18, 2025 by EURead

17-09-2025 [PRESS RELEASE]

An open invitation to celebrate the European Authors Day.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – this is the call for everyone to join in a shared celebration of reading and human creativity. The special multilingual website www.readforreal.eu is inviting authors, bookstores and publishers, schools and kindergartens, libraries and cultural centers, businesses and local authorities, non-profits and parents – essentially, everyone – to take part.

#ReadForReal is an international project carried out by a consortium of 7 organizations from 5 countries. The great European celebration of literature and creativity will take place every year from November 11 to December 12. Author cross-borders tours will connect writers with readers in 43 Creative Europe countries. Organizers encourage everyone to co-create this unique celebration. Anyone can get involved – by organizing their own event or reading project, participating locally, joining the book challenge, and much more. A wide range of downloadable and printable materials are available: logos, event plans, posters, bookmarks and team challenges.

So far, 27 countries have joined the preparations for the pan-European celebration. In each country a designated organization will act as national hub, responding to inquiries in their national language, supporting the organization of local events, and providing printed welcome materials for schools, libraries, bookstores, businesses or municipalities that sign up as event organizers. Contact details to all national coordinators are available for all interested parties on www.readforreal.eu.

Why get involved?

#ReadForReal: Stay connected!

The program highlights the importance of direct engagement with literature – experiencing it live, and authentically – through meeting with authors. This is especially vital in today’s world, overwhelmed by the addictive power of apps yet craving genuine human connection, as well as in the face of troubling declines in critical thinking skills.

#ReadForReal: Take the lead!

The free materials available provide wide opportunities for creativity, and initiative – giving event organizers the tools to become influential leaders within their communities.

#ReadForReal: Invest in the future.

75 million adults in Europe lack sufficient reading comprehension skills. Many are excluded from economic and social life – a tremendous loss for individuals, communities, and democracies as a whole. Each of us can help change this reality within our own communities.

#ReadForReal: Meet a superhero.

Creativity is one of the defining traits of humanity. It enables us to generate new ideas, solutions, products, and systems. Book creators – writers, illustrators, graphic designers and translators – embody this essence of humanity. Their creativity inspires thought, change, and progress. Meeting a creator, in this sense, is like meeting a superhero.

Who’s behind it?

The European Authors Day celebrations under the banner #ReadForReal are organized by a consortium led by the Universal Reading Foundation (Poland), in partnership with the National Library of Poland, Stiftung Lesen (Germany), Ciclic Centre-Val de Loire (France), Chetene (Bulgaria), and two international organizations: the Federation of European Publishers and EURead. The project is co-founded by Creative Europe.

The consortium will build on the work carried out to date within Creative Europe in the previous editions of the European Authors Day in 2023 and 2024, focusing on three key pillars:

· the annual European Authors Day within the #ReadForReal campaign,

· recurring workshops supporting professionals and reading promotion networks,

· and yearly international conferences providing space for reflection and building change.

“Be the change you want to see in the world,” as Gandhi famously said, aptly captures the goal we aim to achieve together with hundreds of thousands of teachers, librarians, booksellers, and creators across Europe. We are all a part of this mission – everyone has a potential to make a meaningful impact. Our dream is for everyone to feel invited to join and contribute, so we all, across Europe, apart from different countries, languages, culture and backgrounds, can enjoy the process of co-creating #ReadForReal and celebrate reading.”– the consortium members conclude.

Join us today and make a difference in your community!

www.readforreal.com

www.readforreal.eu

Instagram: @read.forreal

Facebook: READ. for Real

Reading: The Hidden Infrastructure of European Competitiveness. A reading promoter’s perspective on the Draghi report

Posted on July 10, 2025March 16, 2026 by EURead

The state of the European Union has recently been the subject of critical and in-depth analysis by Mario Draghi, former President of the European Central Bank and one of Europe’s foremost economic thinkers. His report, The Future of European Competitiveness, has informed the European Commission’s strategic direction for its new mandate and serves as the foundation for a renewed plan to ensure Europe’s sustainable prosperity and global competitiveness. As Draghi notes, “the only way to become more productive is for Europe to radically change.”

The report identifies three central pillars for action: closing the innovation gap, implementing a joint decarbonisation and competitiveness plan, and strengthening security by reducing dependencies. Focused and coordinated efforts in these areas are expected to make Europe as competitive as Asia and the United States, and potentially position the EU as a global leader. Crucially, these efforts must be aligned with the Union’s core values: prosperity, equity, freedom, peace, and democracy within a sustainable environment.

However, a fundamental prerequisite for achieving these strategic objectives remains insufficiently addressed: the foundational role of the complex cognitive process of reading, which underpins functional literacy and critical thinking skills among European citizens.

It is our intention in this EURead analysis of the Draghi Report to demonstrate that without substantial investment in EU citizens through reading promotion from birth and throughout their lifespan, the EU’s competitiveness agenda will face significant obstacles. Functional illiteracy undermines the capacity for innovation, impedes informed participation in decarbonisation efforts, and leaves populations vulnerable to disinformation campaigns that threaten democratic institutions and security.

Recognizing the profound connection between reading, functional literacy, and human development from the earliest years of life is key to unlocking Europe’s potential. Reading forms and changes cognitive infrastructure upon which innovation, sustainable development, and democratic resilience are built. Comprehending and addressing this foundational issue is essential to achieving the ambitious goals outlined in the Draghi Report and to securing Europe’s future competitiveness.

To the full report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Reading is foundational to Europe’s resilience and competitiveness

Europe’s long-term competitiveness depends on its ability to foster inclusive, skilled, and adaptable яocieties. As Mario Draghi’s Competitiveness Strategy for Europe (2024) highlights, strengthening the EU’s economic future requires bold, sustained investment in human capital.

Yet across Member States, access to meaningful early reading experiences remains fragmented and unequal. Without coordinated action, the EU risks entrenching disadvantage, increasing future public spending, and missing a vital opportunity to build cohesive, productive, and future-ready societies from the very start of life.

A European Reading Plan: strategic, inclusive, and future-proof

This report proposes a European Reading Plan as a high-impact, cost-eﬀective mechanism to embed reading in early childhood systems across health, education, culture, and social protection. It directly supports the goals of the Competitiveness Strategy, advancing skills development, social inclusion, and resilience.

Shared reading in the early years builds the cognitive, emotional, and linguistic capacities that underpin learning, employability, wellbeing, and civic participation. The Plan addresses the skills gap at its root, while supporting inclusive growth, innovation, and social cohesion. It also provides a concrete tool for delivering on EU frameworks such as the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Child Guarantee, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the European Democracy Shield, and Cohesion Policy objectives.

Proven programmes, ready to scale

Successful initiatives across Europe and globally demonstrate that bookgifting, family engagement, and practitioner support can close literacy gaps and improve life chances. Through EURead and its Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting, a delivery infrastructure is already in place: tested, adaptable, and ready to scale in alignment with local systems and needs.

A strategic investment in Europe’s future

We propose an initial investment of €500 per child per year—equivalent to 0.19% of EU GDP—to establish a foundational reading infrastructure across Europe. This includes universal bookgifting from birth, mini-libraries in early years settings, professional training, and harmonised evaluation tools.

As shown by the OECD, UNESCO, and Nobel laureate economist James Heckman, early childhood interventions deliver some of the highest long-term returns in public spending—boosting educational outcomes, emotional wellbeing, workforce capacity, and reducing the need for remedial support.

A delivery-ready opportunity for Europe

A European Reading Plan oﬀers a visible, scalable, and politically credible opportunity for the EU to lead on early investment and the implementation of fundamental rights. It would ensure that every child, in every region, benefits from early reading experiences.

Beyond enhancing productivity and resilience, the Plan aﬃrms citizens’ rights to education, information, and cultural participation—as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the UNCRC, the European Child Guarantee, and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

EURead and its Global Network stand ready to work with EU institutions, Member States, and civil society to deliver this vision—through proven models, strong local partnerships, and a shared commitment to equity, evidence, and opportunity.

—

Reading: The Hidden Infrastructure of European Competitiveness. A reading promoter’s perspective on the Draghi report

Author: Valentina Stoeva, Reading Foundation (Bulgaria)

Author of the Chapter “The Rights-Based Approach: The Right to Read”: Eva Berghmans, Iedereen leest (Belgium)

Europe really needs reading – so Read. For Real!

Posted on June 30, 2025September 17, 2025 by EURead

This year’s European Authors Day will offer celebrations across Europe thanks to the collaboration of an international consortium of seven partners from five countries supported by Creative Europe.

The consortium, led by the Universal Reading Foundation from Poland, with partners including the National Library of Poland, Stiftung Lesen from Germany, CICLIC, the French public agency for books and images of the Centre-Val de Loire Region, the Bulgarian organisation Chetene, the Belgian-based Federation of European Publishers and the EURead network, has won the privilege to run a multi-level strategy to raise readership in Europe and promote European literature which will be the continuation of the European Authors Day initiated in 2023 by Creative Europe.

Europe really needs reading. 75 million adult Europeans are unable to read with understanding and lack properly developed literacy skills. A large part of the population does not participate in the life of economies and communities due to insufficient reading skills – it is a tremendous loss for them individually and for the societies and democracies as a whole. Reading for pleasure (which is a sign of literacy skills) is at the lowest level since years.

The consortium will be continuing Creative Europe’s work around three pillars: annual celebrations of Authors through the pan-European Read.ForReal campaign, annual workshops to strengthen reading promotion professionals and their networks, and annual conferences to create a platform of thought and impact.

The first huge celebration of the European Authors Day will be held during November 11th-December 12th each year. Meetings with European Authors travelling from country to country will take place across Europe. Schools, preschools, libraries and bookstores from all around Europe will be invited to join in with their creativity and unlimited potential.

More information and details will be published at the end of summer 2025.

Meanwhile, follow the fanpages

Facebook

READ.ForReal (@read.forreal)

EURead Marks 25th Anniversary with Global Gathering in Brussels

Posted on June 20, 2025July 23, 2025 by EURead

EURead celebrated its 25th anniversary with a vibrant gathering of its members, alongside participants from the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting and the Researchers Network. The event brought together people from five continents to discuss reading promotion from multiple perspectives over three days in Brussels.

Iedereen Leest hosted this year’s event. Its bookgifting programme, Boekstart Flanders, celebrated an important milestone as well — 20 years of impact. During a special visit of all guests to Antwerp, the team from Iedereen Leest, led by CEO Sylvie Dhaene, showcased over four decades of successful work in reading promotion.

*Visitors listen to a speech in the garden of Iedereen Leest offices ©Simon Bequoye*

Annual General Meeting participants also visited the European Parliament in Brussels, where representatives from almost all EU countries—as well as from Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, Peru, and Canada—gained insights into the functioning of EU institutions. The visit highlighted the strong connection between reading promotion and the preservation of fundamental European values and democratic rights.

*AGM visitors and members from the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting ©EURead*

The AGM took place at the premises of KBR – the Royal Library of Belgium in Brussels, from 10 to 11 June.

Ms Katarina Barley, vice-president of the European Parliament and patron of EURead, addressed the members through a special video message. Prof. Dr. Andrea Wechsler, member of the European Parliament, joined the AGM in person and thanked EURead members for supporting literacy and building bridges that strengthen democracy. Mr Arnaud Pasqualli from the Directorate-General for Education and Culture also delivered a speech.

Daan Beeke (Network Manager EURead | Stichting Lezen) presented EURead’s rich history. New members who joined the network over the past three months had the opportunity to share more about their work. They include the Slovenian Book Agency (Slovenia), Krajina čitateľov – The Land of Readers (Slovakia), the Ministry of Culture and Media (Croatia), and Friedrich-Bödeker-Kreis (Germany).

As scientific insight continues to guide EURead’s work, six researchers from the EURead Researchers Network contributed to discussions about the evolving reading ecology over the past 25 years. Their presentations covered topics such as reading formats (print and digital), the crucial role of early childhood, and how school libraries foster functional literacy and long-term reading habits through access to high-quality books.

Francis de Bonnaire, Senior Researcher at Sentobib, further enriched the conversation by presenting findings from a major study on public libraries in seven European countries.

Day 1 concluded with inspiring data and practical examples from members of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting. Presenters shared successful projects from Flanders, Croatia, and Poland, as well as impactful practices from Malaysia and Tanzania. The key takeaway: bookgifting works in every context, and the benefits of reading extend to every baby and their family—regardless of geography or socio-economic status.

*New EURead member Ministry of Culture and Media (Croatia) showcases their project © Simon Bequoye*

An anniversary wouldn’t be complete without a party. Our hosts, Iedereen Leest, made it possible by organising a wonderful dinner at deBuren, where Elly McCausland (Ghent University) delivered an inspiring speech to our members.

Day 2 marked a farewell to our long-standing Chair, Dr Jörg F. Maas, and the unanimous election of Elaina Ryan (CEO of Children’s Books Ireland) as a new Board Member.

*ltr Elaina Ryan, Joerg Maas, Diana Gerald and Valentina Stoeva © Simon Bequoye*

The rest of the day focused on discussions around several important topics: partnerships, school libraries, and youth and sport. Shared initiatives, insights, and ideas inspired our members and equipped them with new tools to continue advancing literacy across Europe.

The evening of 11 June was dedicated to the Open Forum “25 Years of Getting Europe Reading”. Acclaimed and award-winning writers Bart Moeyaert and Sulaiman Addonia shared powerful reflections on the importance of reading.

*Bart Moeyaert addresses the Open Forum ©Simon Bequoye*

Members of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting from Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands, and Peru presented the impact of their programmes on children’s development and well-being. A panel discussion followed, centred around the Mario Draghi report, the Sustainable Development Goals, and how we can bridge the gaps between innovation, competitiveness, and literacy. The conversation brought together representatives from the European Commission, IEA.nl, DGLegacy (a startup), and reading promoters from across Europe.

The conclusion was clear: reading empowers citizens to become functionally literate and well-educated, and to grow into more creative and critical thinkers.

Below some more impressions (pictures by Simon Bequoye):

EURead: 25 Years Of Getting Europe Reading (Open Forum)

Posted on May 31, 2025July 23, 2025 by EURead

EURead, Europe’s leading network for reading and literacy promotion, will mark its 25th anniversary with a landmark Open Forum in Brussels. This high-level event will convene policymakers, innovators, researchers, educators, cultural leaders, advocates for social cohesion, and members of the public to examine the essential role of reading in fostering a more competitive, innovative, and prosperous Europe.

Discussions will focus on how Europe can effectively address literacy gaps, enhance background knowledge, and promote innovation in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and the recommendations outlined in the Draghi Report on European Competitiveness.

For a quarter of a century, EURead has united reading promoters from across Europe, sharing successful program designs and policy strategies to foster a culture of reading. As society’s attention shifts increasingly towards technology and innovations, the forum will examine why reading remains an essential pillar for personal development, economic growth, and democratic participation.

AGENDA

???? KBR – the Royal Library, Auditorium Hall, Mont des Arts 28, Brussels, Belgium

⏲️ 11th June, 2025 | 17.30–20.00

17.30 – 18.00	Opening
	Do you know what? keynote speech Bart Moeyaert Writer, Laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2019
18.00 – 18.25	On the Benefits of Reading Prominent speakers will discuss the importance of reading from a scientific perspective and how it shapes our lives and the future Rekindling the Joy in Reading and Reclaiming Critical Thinking and Empathy video Prof. Maryanne Wolf Director of the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies The Benefits of Reading presentation Diana Gerald MBE Co-chair of EURead and CEO of BookTrust UK
18.25 – 19.00	How reading promotion influences, supports, and shapes societal change in Europe and beyond Reading promoters from three continents will showcase proven strategies for tackling socioeconomic disadvantages and supporting societal change EURead: Good practices from 27 European countries – Daniel Beeke – Network Manager of EURead and domain specialist at Stichting Lezen (The Netherlands) 20 Years of BoekStart Belgium – Lotte Baert – Iedereen Leest (Belgium) Early Years Bookgifting Across the Globe: Working in Different Societal Contexts – Marijke Bos – BoekStart (The Netherlands) – Izumi Satou – Japan Bookstart (Japan) – Lucía Guerrero Suárez – Leer en Familia/PUCP (Peru)
19.00 – 19.40	25 Years of getting Europe reading: A Roadmap to a More Literate and Competitive Europe Bridging Gaps in Reading – developing a European approach to strengthen literacy, background knowledge, and innovation in the context of fulfilling the SDGs and implementing the recommendations of the Draghi Report – Michael Teutsch, Acting Director Directorate B – Youth, Education and Erasmus+ – Juliane Hencke, Director of IEA Hamburg – Ana Mineva, CEO and co-founder of DGLegacy – Maria Deskur, CEO of Universal Reading Foundation – Poland Moderator: Elaina Ryan, Children’s Books Ireland
19.40 – 20.00	For Those Who Learned to Read the Air A Special Address Sulaiman Addonia Writer, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
	Closing remarks by Valentina Stoeva Co-chair of EURead and founder of the Reading Foundation Bulgaria

Open to public・Free entrance・Registration required: HERE

Speakers

**Bart Moeyaert** | *Photo: © Michiel Devijver & Iedereen Leest*

Bart Moeyaert is one of Belgian’s most famous authors. He was barely nineteen when he made his debut in 1983. A master of the unsaid, his books are always received with great acclaim, and have been described by critics as poetic, cinematic and appealing to the senses. Moeyaert often deals with complex existential subjects, in an insightful and accessible way.

His work has won many awards at home and abroad and has been translated into twenty-nine languages. He became four times Finalist for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award: in 2002, 2012, 2020 and 2024, and is the Laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2019. (Source: flandersliterature.com)

Website: https://www.bartmoeyaert.com

**Prof. Maryanne Wolf** | *Photo: Official source*

Maryanne Wolf is a scholar, teacher, and global advocate for children and literacy. She directs the Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice at UCLA and the former John DiBiaggio Professor of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University. She has authored over 170 scientific publications; Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain; Tales of Literacy for the 21^st Century; and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital Culture.

She is co-author with Martha Denckla of the RAN/RAS naming speed tests, and developed the RAVE-O Intervention Program for all struggling readers. Her awards include the IDA and the Einstein Award from the Dyslexia Foundation; and the Walter Ong Award and the Alfred Korzybski Award for her work on the effects of different mediums on the intellectual development of the species. She was elected a permanent member of the Pontifical Academy of Science.

Website: https://www.maryannewolf.com

**Michael Teutsch** | *Photo: Official source*

Michael Teutsch is Acting Director for Youth, Education and Erasmus+ in the European Commission’s Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. The Directorate deals with policy development and implementation in the areas of schools and higher education, and in youth, as well with the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. The Directorate thus contributes to the realisation of a Union of Skills, European Education Area and the European Youth Strategy.

Mr. Teutsch also is the Head of Unit of the Erasmus+ coordination unit. He joined the Commission in 2001, to work on labour mobility issues in DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Before that, he had worked in the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and in research projects in Germany and Italy on the European structural funds, transport and environment policy.

**Juliane Hencke** | *Photo: Official source*

As Director of IEA Hamburg, Juliane Hencke is responsible for the functional and personnel management in close cooperation with the IEA Hamburg Deputy Directors. She represents IEA Hamburg to external clients, partners, and stakeholders, and she is responsible for the continuous development of IEA Hamburg for IEA’s overall strategy.

IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement) is an international cooperative of national research institutions, governmental research agencies, scholars, and analysts working to research, understand, and improve education worldwide.

Website: https://www.iea.nl | Latest publication: Why Boys May Need More Support In Building Their Reading Motivation

Ana Mineva is a serial tech entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of DGLegacy® – the digital legacy planning and inheritance app designed to meet the evolving needs of the digital age. With over 20 years of experience building digital businesses from idea to successful exit, she brings deep expertise across product development, marketing, engineering, and digital innovation.

Ana holds an MSc in Engineering and an Executive MBA, which she draws on to lead DGLegacy® in reshaping how people protect their assets and secure their loved ones’ future in the digital age. At its core, DGLegacy® is about more than asset protection — it’s about building financial literacy, background knowledge, and intergenerational continuity.

Born and raised in Bulgaria, Ana is a lifelong learner with a passion for simplifying the complex. Her work blends Silicon Valley–level innovation with European values of trust, transparency, and social good. Under her leadership, DGLegacy was recognized by TechCrunch as one of the Top 20 Most Innovative Startups globally in 2024. She is also a mentor at Girls Gearing Up, supporting young women in developing the skills and confidence needed in the digital age — and to lead.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-mineva/ Website: https://www.dglegacy.com/about/

**Sulaiman Addonia** | *Photo: © Michiel Devijver & Iedereen Leest*

Sulaiman Addonia is a British-Eritrean-Ethiopian writer. His first novel, The Consequences of Love, was translated into over 20 languages. His second novel, Silence is My Mother Tongue, was published by Indigo Press (2019) and Graywolf (2020). His third novel, The Seers, was published by Prototype (2024) and released in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the U.S., and Canada.

Addonia currently lives in Brussels, where he has launched a Creative Writing Academy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and the Asmara-Addis Literary Festival (In Exile). In 2021, he was awarded Belgium’s Golden Afro Artistic Award for Literature. In 2022, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Interview with Sulaiman Addonia: HERE

Speakers – Members of EURead and the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting

**Diana Gerald MBE** | *Photo: BookTrust UK*

Diana Gerald MBE has been BookTrust’s Chief Executive since 2015. She is a Trustee of the Mohn Westlake Foundation – one of the UK’s largest grant givers in supporting disadvantaged children and young people in the arts, culture and education. She is Deputy Chair of Creative Education Trust, a network of schools in disadvantaged areas of the Midlands and East of England, and also Chair of the Bentley Wood Trust, an outstanding school in Stanmore. Diana joined BookTrust from the Arks Schools Group. Other previous roles include at the Young Foundation and in consultancy for local government. She began her career in the commercial sector at Boston Consulting Group. Diana is a co-chair of EURead. Website: https://www.booktrust.org.uk

**Valentina Stoeva** | *Photo: Nevena Rikova*

Valentina Stoeva holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Sofia University) and a master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations (New Bulgarian University). Since 2008, she has been actively promoting reading in Bulgaria. She is the founder and chairwoman of the Children’s Books Foundation (Bulgaria) and the Reading Foundation (Bulgaria). Valentina has been appointed as the Libraries’ Ambassador in Bulgaria. She is a a co-chair of EURead. Website: https://readingfoundation.bg

Since June 2024 Valentina is appointed as a co-chair of EURead.

**Elaina Ryan** | *Photo: Children’s Books Ireland*

Elaina Ryan holds a BA in Languages and Cultural Studies from University of Limerick and an MLitt in Publishing from University of Stirling. She has a background in children’s book publishing and is co-Artistic Director, with Niamh Sharkey, of Towers and Tales Children’s Book Festival in Lismore, County Waterford. Elaina has led the team in Children’s Books Ireland since 2013. Website: https://childrensbooksireland.ie

**Daniel (Daan) Beeke** | *Photo: Personal archive*

Daniel Beeke studied Dutch Literature at Utrecht University and started his career as high school teacher of Dutch Literature and Language. Since 2008 he works for the Dutch Reading Foundation (Stichting Lezen) as a domain specialist, working on high school projects and programs. He is also involved in the EURead network, as Network Manager, and in the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting, as part of the working group. Website: https://www.lezen.nl

**Lotte Baert** | *Photo: Michiel Devijver*

Lotte Baert works at Iedereen Leest (Flemish Reading Foudation) since 2018. She works mainly for the early literacy programme Boekstart and is part of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting working group. She holds a master degree in languages, communication and cultural management from the University of Antwerp.

**Maria Deskur** | *Photo: LinkedIn page*

Maria Deskur is the CEO of Fundacja Powszechnego Czytania (Universal Reading Foundation). She is an Ashoka Fellow and a Member of the Council For Public Benefit at the Prime Minister’s Office in Poland. Website: https://www.fpc.org.pl/eng/

**Marijke Bos** | *Photo: Keke Keukelaar*

Marijke Bos works at Stichting Lezen (Dutch Reading Foundation) since 2007. She is a specialist in early years reading promotion and is managing the Dutch early years bookgifting programme, BoekStart. She holds a Master Degree in Social Sciences. Website: https://www.lezen.nl

**Izumi Satou** | *Photo: Official source*

Izumi Satou is Trustee and Director of Programmes, Bookstart Japan. After introducing the UK’s Bookstart to Japan in 2000, she has led its development in a different social and cultural context, including founding and managing the implementing organisation. Izumi is part of the working group of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting. Website: https://www.bookstart.or.jp/english/

**Lucía Guerrero Suárez** | *Photo: Official source*

Lucía Guerrero is the founder and director of Leer en Familia, a Peruvian initiative that promotes reading, language-rich environments, and joyful interactions from the earliest years of life. She is a faculty member at the Department of Education at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and a member of the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting. She advocates for every child’s right to grow up surrounded by stories, affection, and meaningful conversations from birth. Website: https://www.leerenfamilia.pe/

EURead Annual General Meeting 2025

Posted on March 15, 2025March 16, 2026 by EURead

We live in turbulent times, facing challenges that affect our well-being, the economy, sustainability, and democracy. As uncertainty grows, so does the need for solutions that can strengthen societies and empower individuals.

Reading promoters understand this reality—and they believe that reading holds the key to addressing many of these pressing issues. That’s why, at this year’s EURead Annual General Meeting and Open Forum, we are coming together to discuss urgent topics, explore practical solutions, and build bridges across sectors. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we aim to propose workable strategies that will help shape the future of Europe.

The AGM 2025 will be held on the 10th and 11th of June, 2025, in Brussels (Belgium).

Location: KBR – the Royal Library, Brussels

AGENDA

10th June, 2025 (Tuesday), Annual General Meeting 2025, Day 1

KBR – the Royal Library, Panorama Hall, Mont des Arts 28, Brussels, Belgium

13.00 – 13.30

Registration

13.30 – 14.15	Opening of the Annual General Meeting Moderator: Dr. Jörg F. Maas – Chair of EURead
	Welcome speeches from officials and partners:
	– Sylvie Dhaene, CEO Iedereen leest, Belgium (host of the AGM2025)
	– KBR representative (tbc; host of the AGM2025)
	– Ms. Katarina Barley, Vice-president of the European Parliament and patron of EURead (video)
	– Prof. Dr. Andrea Wechsler, Member of the European Parliament)
	– Frau Karin Schlautmann from Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA (video)

14.15 – 14.20

Short break

14.20 – 15.10	Panel 1: All about US Moderator: Dr. Jörg F. Maas – Chair of EURead
	Welcome speech by Dr. Maas
	25 Years EURead: The short history (Daan Beeke and Peter Jenkins)
	A short introductory round for all
	Welcoming new members – short presentations by:
	– Slovenian Book Agency, Slovenia
	– Krajina čitatel’ov, Slovakia
	– Ministry of Culture and Media, Croatia
	– Friedrich-Bödecker-Kreis, Germany

15.10 – 15.20

EURead members – photos
EURead + Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting + Researchers’ Network members photos + separate sessions for the different networks

15.20 – 15.50

Coffee Break & time for networking

15.50 – 16.50	Panel 2: In Research We Trust Moderator: Valentina Stoeva – Co-chair of EURead
	Researcher’s Network: Changes in the reading ecology over the past 25 years Researchers: – Ly Chu (BookTrust, UK) – Katherine Wilkinson (Scottish Book Trust, UK) – Stefania Manetti (Nati per Leggere, Italy) – Marianne O’Kane Boal (Children’s Books Ireland, Ireland) – Dorette Louw (Book Dash, South Africa) – Niels Bakker (Stichting Lezen, the Netherlands)
16.50-17.10	Sentobib Library Study Francis De Bonnaire Senior researcher, Sentobib

17.10 – 17.55	Panel 3: Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting Moderator: Peter Jenkins – Network Manager of the Global Network
	– Els Michielsen (Boekstart Flanders, Belgium) – Ivana Alpeza (Born to Read, Croatia) – Edison Ricket (Reading Seeds, Sarawak, Malaysia) – Joel Elphas (TECEC, Tanzania) – Katarzyna Humeniuk (Polish Book Institute) and Maria Deskur (Universal Reading Foundation, Poland)

17.55-18.00

Reflections on Day 1

20.00 – 22.00

Official dinner

11th June, 2025 (Wednesday), Annual General Meeting 2025, Day 2

KBR – the Royal Library, Panorama Hall, Mont des Arts 28, Brussels, Belgium

09.00-09.10	Warm-up
09.10 – 10.30	General Assembly – EURead Members Only! Moderator: Diana Gerald – Co-chair of EURead – Reports on finances, communication etc. – Elections of a new Board Member
10.30-10.40	Short Break

10.40 – 11.30	Panel 4: Partnerships Moderator: Valentina Stoeva – Co-chair of EURead
	– Universal Reading Foundation (Poland) – EU funded project
	– Was steht da?/Children’s Books Ireland/Nati per Leggere (Austria, Ireland, Italy) – EU project collaboration
11.30 – 12.30	Partnerships to Support and Enhance a Common European Reading Plan – Sharing good practices and ideas

12.30 – 13.30

LUNCH

13.30 – 14.20	Panel 5: School libraries Moderator: Daan Beeke – Network Manager of EURead
	Discussion
14.20 – 14.30	Short Break

14.30 – 15.20	Panel 6: Youth & Sport Moderator: Elaina Ryan – Children’s Books Ireland
	Discussion
15.20 – 15.30	Short Break

15.30 – 15.50	Draghi Report Discussion
15.50 – 16.00	Members’ Reflections on the AGM and Closing from the Board

If you are interested in taking part, don’t hesitate to contact us at communication@euread.com

Open Forum “EURead: 25 years of getting Europe reading”

KBR – the Royal Library, Auditorium Hall, Mont des Arts 28, Brussels, Belgium

11th June, 2025 | 17.30–20.00

Open to public・Free entrance・Registration required: HERE

Open Forum’s Agenda: HERE

EURead in 2024: A wrap-Up

Posted on January 2, 2025April 14, 2025 by EURead

As we step into 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the past year—a year of collaboration, new initiatives, and milestones for EURead and its members. From impactful events to bold statements on the future of literacy, 2024 reminded us of the power of reading to shape lives and communities.

Literacy and Democracy: A Shared Commitment

In 2024, EURead issued a clear call to action with a statement urging European leaders to recognise reading as essential for protecting democracy. The statement identified six focus areas:

This roadmap has shaped EURead’s work throughout the year and will continue to guide our efforts as we address literacy challenges across Europe.

2024 Highlights

Day of European Authors

March 25 marked the second edition of the Day of European Authors, initiated by the European Commission. Schools, libraries, and communities across Europe came together to celebrate reading and highlight the voices of European authors.

EURead was well represented by some of its members, who actively participated in the panels of the conference in Leuven and contributed to the vivid discussions that explored the role of reading promotion in developing culture, fostering creativity, and supporting the creative and educational sectors.

PISA in Bologna: Tackling Low Reading Skills

At the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, EURead hosted the panel ‘PISA in Bologna: how to fight low reading skills’ on addressing declining reading skills across Europe.

Elaina Ryan (Children’s Books Ireland), Lovisa Fhager Logothetis (Bonnier Family Foundation) and Anna Zdrojewska-Zywiecka (Mamania/Relacja sp. z o.o. Publishing Group, Poland) discussed actionable solutions, emphasising the role of collaboration in improving literacy outcomes for future generations. The discussion was led by Daan Beeke – network manager of EURead.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

In June, we gathered in Athens for our Annual General Meeting 2024 to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. Members shared updates on their work, and we elected a new co-chair, reaffirming our shared commitment to promoting literacy.

EURead AGM 2024 / Photo: Vangelis Patsialos

The AGM was followed by an open forum that outlined the importance of reading promotion in preserving the vibrant democracies of tomorrow.

From left to right: Maria Stratigaki, Prof. Venetia Apostolidou, Marc Lambert, Prof, Adriaan van der Weel

Frankfurter Buchmesse Panel

At the Frankfurter Buchmesse, EURead participated in the panel Literacy: Vital for Democracy, organised by the Ukrainian Book Institute. Speakers highlighted how reading supports democratic engagement and fosters informed citizens.

Literacy vital for Democracy – A panel discussion / Frankfurt Book Fair 2024 / From left to right: Olena Odynoka (Ukrainian Book Institute), Arnaud Pasqualli (European Commission), Anne Bergman (FEP), Dr. Frances Pinter, Valentina Stoeva (co-chai of EURead), Daan Beeke (Network manager EURead; Stichting Lezen) / Photo: Ukrainian Book Institute

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we turn the page to 2025, we are thrilled to mark a significant milestone: EURead’s 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, we have worked together to advance literacy, promote reading, and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to access books and develop a love for reading.

In the year ahead, we’ll focus on:

Celebrating our 25-year history while planning for the next chapter.
Expanding collaborations with partners from different sectors.
Advocating for policies that prioritise literacy as a foundation for democracy and sustainable development.
Supporting initiatives that address the six priorities outlined in our 2024 statement.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

To all our members, partners, and supporters: thank you for your dedication and contributions in 2024. Your work is what makes EURead a thriving network. As we celebrate 25 years in 2025, we look forward to building on this legacy and working together to create a future where reading is accessible, meaningful, and valued by all.

Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

Annual General Meeting 2024: An overview

Posted on June 17, 2024April 14, 2025 by EURead

The 2024 EURead Annual General Meeting (AGM) convened in Athens, the cradle of democracy, to explore the theme ‘Promoting Literacy in a Changing World.’ The event brought together 29 participants from 16 countries, including external guests and sponsors.

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from hosts Ava Chalkiadaki (Diavazontas Megalono) and Bettina Wenzel (Goethe-Institut Athen), followed by inspiring video messages from Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Andrew Kay, CEO of the World Literacy Foundation.

Dr. Jörg F. Maas, EURead Chair, then led attendees into productive discussions on the organisation’s Strategic Vision and its Statement on Reading and Literacy, ensuring the AGM stayed focused on its core mission from the outset.

Welcoming New Members

The afternoon session of the 2024 EURead AGM was dedicated to introducing four new member organisations:

Kitabistan (Azerbaijan): Presented via a video message from Malak Khanim Hajiyeva, Chairperson of the Board.
Universal Reading Foundation (Poland): Introduced by Maria Deskur, CEO.
Ukrainian Book Institute: Presented by Daan Beeke, EURead Network Manager.
Reading Foundation (Bulgaria): Introduced by Valentina Stoeva, Co-founder.

Focus on Reading Promotion in Greece

The AGM also featured a thought-provoking session titled “Reading Promotion in Greece: The Deficits of Public Reading Policies and the Leading Role of Civil Society.” Presented by host Ava Chalkiadaki with a touch of humour, the discussion highlighted the challenges faced by EURead members in their efforts to promote literacy. It left a lasting impression, sparking reflection on the vital role of civil society in addressing these deficits.

**Reading promotion in Greece: the deficits of public reading policies and the leading role of the civil society** – *Speaker: Ava Chalkiadaki*

Special Guest Presentation

This year’s special guest, Prof. Adriaan van der Weel from Leiden University, delivered an engaging presentation on “Reading to Change Our Minds.” His thought-provoking insights offered a preview of his upcoming contribution to the Open Forum, adding depth and perspective to the AGM discussions.

**Reading to change our minds** – *Speaker: Prof. Adriaan van der Weel, Leiden University*

Closing Session: Updates on Early Years Bookgifting

The meeting concluded with updates from the Global Network for Early Years Bookgifting, presented by Peter Jenkins and Emmi Jäkkö. Their insights offered valuable connections to EURead’s strategic planning, highlighting the alignment between early years initiatives and the organisation’s broader goals.

Leadership Transition

During the AGM, Gerlien van Dalen officially stepped down as Co-chair of EURead following her departure as Director of Stichting Lezen. Valentina Stoeva was unanimously elected as her successor and installed as the new Co-chair.

Gerlien van Dalen receives a Letter of Appreciation from EURead Chair Jörg Maas

Exploring New Media in Literacy Promotion

Attendees engaged in discussions on new media issues. The session featured a presentation on the Fakeless programme by Nikoletta Stathopoulou from the Goethe-Institut and a warmly received presentation by Sonja Hoge from Onilo, highlighting innovative approaches to integrating media in literacy promotion.

Anne Bergman (FEP) chaired a session about Reading Promotion and Politics, where members were invited to share their thoughts, campaigns etc.

Open Forum on Literacy and Democracy

After the official closing of the AGM, attendees gathered once again at the Goethe-Institut for the Open Forum titled “Literacy and Democracy in the Era of Technology and Information: Facts, Challenges, Strategies.” The forum was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the City of Athens, with support from OSDEL. It provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the intersection of literacy, democracy, and the evolving landscape of technology and information.

After presentations and welcoming words by Angela Kaya (Director Goethe-Institut Athen), Eleni Zontirou (City of Athens) and Kostas Dardanos (OSDEL), moderator Prof. Maria Stratigaki led a discussion between the three keynote speakers: Prof. Venetia Apostolidou, Prof. Dr. Adriaan van der Weel and Marc Lambert. The forum was well attended by both EURead members and the general public. Special video was also sent by Andreas Schleicher – Director of Directorate “Education and skills”, OSCE.

The grande finale was the presentation of the EURead Statement on Reading and Literacy, presented by co-chair Diana Gerald MBE (CEO BookTrust UK).

Diana Gerald MBE (co-chair of EURead) presenting the EURead Statement on Reading and Literacy

Videos from the open forum: LINK

EURead Statement on Reading and Literacy in different languages: LINK

Protected: AGM 2024: An overview

Posted on June 17, 2024June 18, 2024 by EURead

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