Preamble
The City of Leipzig, the Free State of Saxony as represented by the Saxon Ministry for Science and the Fine Arts, the German Publishers & Booksellers Association and Leipziger Messe GmbH view the achievement with the nations of Central and Eastern Europe as a particular obligation for Leipzig as a traditional city of the book trade and book fairs. They seek to support this with their joint presentation of the Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding.The City of Leipzig, the Free State of Saxony, the German Publishers & Booksellers Association and Leipziger Messe GmbH shall each appoint one representative to form the Committee.

I.
The Award shall be presented annually to an individual who in the form of book publications, has rendered outstanding services to the advancement of mutual understanding in Europe.

II.
The Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding includes a main cash prize of 15,000 €. The Award shall be presented annually during the opening ceremony for the Leipzig Book Fair.The City of Leipzig and the Free State of Saxony shall each pay half of the prize money and of any incidental expenses arising in conjunction with the Award.

III.
The panel of judges shall consist of up to nine members acting in an honorary capacity. The City of Leipzig, the Free State of Saxony and the German Publishers & Booksellers Association shall each appoint one representative to the panel of judges. The Winner of the previous year's Award shall also serve as a judge. The Committee shall elect all other members of the panel.The judges shall make their decision independently.The panel of judges has a quorum if at least two thirds of its members are present. In special circumstances, votes may be cast in writing prior to the final meeting of the panel of judges. The representative of the City of Leipzig and the representative of the Free State of Saxony shall alternate annually in chairing the panel of judges. The judges shall decide on the recipient of the Award by a simple majority.

IV.
Nominations for the winner of the Award can be submitted to the Committee by any individual. Reasons for the choice of nominee must be submitted in writing together with the nomination.Self-nominations of candidates shall not be accepted.The judges shall agree on the award-winner in a private meeting. The judges’ decision is final with no right of appeal.

V. The representative of the City of Leipzig and the representative of the Free State of Saxony shall alternate annually in chairing the Committee.The Mayor of Leipzig, the Saxon State Minister Science and Art, the President of the German Publishers & Booksellers Association and the President·CEO of Leipziger Messe GmbH shall take turns in presenting the Award.

VI.
Changes to Statutes can be effected by the Committee only.


The City of Leipzig Mayor
The Saxon Ministry of Science and the Fine Arts (SMWK)State Minister
German Publishers & Booksellers Association President
Leipziger Messe GmbH President.CEO