Hungarian writer Laslo Vegel opened the 55th Belgrade International Book Fair in the evening of Oct. 25. On behalf of this year's honorary guest, Sweden, writer Asa Lind addressed the guests.

In his speech, Vegel asked whether there is any literary illusion left after wars and mass graves. He added that readers in Serbia need culture and books at least as much as they "need the EU."

During the fair, being held until Oct. 31 under the slogan "Be Smart," more than 800 publishers from Serbia and abroad will present their new editions.

Sweden's program, entitled "Voices from Sweden," will present the works of 20 authors.

Publishers from the region as well from Greece, Japan, Russia, Germany, Italy, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Brazil, Angola and Iran will also display their latest books.

First-time participants include publishers from the Netherlands and Slovakia, while European cultural centers in Belgrade for the fourth time have a joint presentation at the stand EUNIK.