The eighth edition of Bookfest Chișinău, the largest book fair in the Republic of Moldova, closed with record numbers: over 50,000 visitors. Organizers from the Romanian Publishers’ Association attributed the growth to rescheduling the event from late August to early September, aligning with the start of the academic year. By coinciding with the return of students and the first week of school, Bookfest Chişinău 2025 expanded its reach and strengthened its position as a cornerstone of Moldova’s cultural calendar.
Held under the patronage of the presidents of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, the fair was inaugurated by Moldovan president Maia Sandu, who emphasized the unifying power of books:
“Books live only when they are read. They teach us to be free, offer hope, and help us defend truth and humanity even in difficult times,” President Sandu stated.
Prime minister Dorin Recean and Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, also attended the opening. Commissioner Kos engaged with young readers by reading in Romanian, underlining the EU’s recognition of Moldova’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
This year’s Bookfest hosted more than 30 leading publishing houses from Romania and Moldova, including Humanitas, Polirom, Litera, Cartier, and Arc, alongside institutions such as the Romanian Academy Publishing House and the National Museum of Romanian Literature. The program featured book launches, autograph sessions, and debates with acclaimed authors such as Mircea Cărtărescu, Gabriela Adameșteanu, Tatiana Țîbuleac, and Radu Paraschivescu.
A shared market
Romania and Moldova share a joint book market built on the Romanian language. Yet, Moldova’s publishing sector now faces new hurdles in exporting books to Romania and the EU, following Romania’s decision to increase VAT on books to 21%.
Minister of culture Sergiu Prodan called on the Romanian government and European partners to work together on removing these barriers:
“Books must remain a bridge, not a burden. We need mechanisms that protect cultural exchange and allow our publishing industries to thrive,” Prodan emphasized.
Strengthening creative industries
Beyond its commercial success, Bookfest Chișinău has become a vital platform for Moldova’s creative industries, linking literature and publishing with education, cultural diplomacy, and the knowledge economy. Hosted for the fourth year at the State University of Moldova’s Mediacor Center, the event reflects Moldova’s growing cultural infrastructure and its role in nurturing talent.
Bookfest Chișinău is organized by the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, the State University of Moldova, the Union of Publishers of Moldova, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Moldova, and the Romanian Publishers’ Association. It is supported by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova, the Ministries of Culture of both Romania and Moldova, and strategic partners including Innovate Moldova and the Embassy of Sweden.
Bookfest Chișinău 2025 not only broke records in sales and attendance but also reaffirmed its role as the most important cultural bridge between Moldova, Romania, and the European Union.
