Esteemed historian and essayist Karl Schlögel has been awarded the German Publishers and Booksellers Association Peace Prize for 2025. The announcement, made Tuesday, recognizes Schlögel’s significant contributions to understanding Central and Eastern Europe.
The award committee lauded Schlögel’s ability to blend observation, empathy and insight in his writing, noting his capacity to challenge preconceptions and stimulate curiosity. Described as a scholar, urban observer and a chronicler of modernity, Schlögel’s work has charted the landscapes and cities of Central and Eastern Europe for decades. His writings have brought locations like Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv and Kharkiv to the attention of a broader European readership, portraying St. Petersburg and Moscow as integral parts of the European cultural sphere.
Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, the committee highlighted Schlögel’s keen focus on the Ukraine and his rigorous examination of German perspectives on the region. He was among the first to voice concerns regarding Vladimir Putin’s expansionist policies and the consolidation of authoritarian, nationalist power.
The prestigious Peace Prize, awarded annually since 1950, carries a prize of €25,000. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt on October 19, 2025.
