The new EFF delegate is selected!

European Fan Fund 2026

The EFF helps fellow European fans to participate in the Eurocons.

Who is the 2026 EFF Delegate? Learn More

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Hephaestion Christopoulos, the 2026 EFF Delegate! He will take part in the Metropolcon in Berlin, Germany, later this year and hopefully help bridge the various European fandoms with the fellow fans in Greece.

Hephaestion was born in 1982 in Athens. He spent part of the first years of his life in Nigeria; sadly, he doesn't really remember much from there. He holds a diploma in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, a pregraduate degree in English Language and Literature, as well as a postgraduate degree in Translation. After working for a few years as an engineer, he decided he hates the job, and now he is a full-time translator and editor. In his free time he reads, writes, listens to music, and plays bass with his band, Pray for Decadence. His third book, a short story collection, was released in December 2025 from Hestia, the oldest and one of the most venerable publishing houses when it comes to Greek literature. He also has some stray stories and books in other languages flying around. Most of his work lies somewhere in the interstices between speculative and literary fiction. He lives in Athens with his wise wife (much wiser than him), their five-year-old daughter, and two cats. He is currently the vice-chairman of the Science Fiction Club of Athens (alef.org.gr). You can contact him via his website, terrible-things.com -- he does not update it as frequently as he should, but he keeps saying he will do so.

Voting Open!

We have five excellent candidates for your vote who should be the next EFF delegate, to visit Metropolcon 2026 in Berlin! Make sure to read their platforms by jumping down to the Vote section. Make your donation of €3 or more via PayPal - it is very easy and you can use your favorite methods of payment, even if you don't have an account. Your donation goes entirely towards the Fund and will enable sending delegates to the next cons. Then cast your vote by choosing your preferred candidate. In case of any issues, don't hesitate to contact us. Spread the word!

Applications closed! Voting starts April 2nd.

We are pleased to announce that there are five applicants for the 2026 EFF Race! Their platforms will be on the website starting tomorrow, April 2nd, and voting will be open through the end of April, when the EFF delegate will be announced.

Applications will run until end of March

Fandom friends, the organizing committee of the European Fandom Fund has decided to let the application window run until the 29th of March 2026. Secure support from three fellow fans for your application and fill out the form below, to represent the EFF and have your trip to the Eurocon 2026 in Berlin covered.

Applications are open!

The race for EFF 2026 is finally on! Apply, tell your fellow friends and let's have the greatest time at Eurocon 2026 together! Spread the word in your communities and let us know in case of any questions!

About the Fund

EFF is the European Fan Fund which transports European SFFH fans to Eurocons.

The purpose of the EFF is to create and strengthen bonds between European fans and fandoms. Currently in almost every country there is a fandom that quite often has little or even no connection to the broader European fandom. Most fans do concentrate on the “here and now” and are not looking for friends in other countries.

Nominations in the race to send a fan to Metropolcon (Eurocon 2026 in Berlin, 2-5 July 2026) are open to any European fan living outside Germany, Bulgaria and Poland who was active in fandom prior to January 2024. For more details on the rules, visit the FAQ section.

If you wish to stand, please apply at the form below. The nominee will need:

  • three European nominators (who need to confirm the nomination)
  • a platform of no more than 300 words to appear on the ballot
  • a bond of €12, paid by PayPal or other means
  • commitment to attend the 2026 Eurocon in Berlin, Germany if you win, unless in the case of extreme circumstances

Among your nominators there must be at least one fan from your country and one fan from another European country.

Nominations are open from 30 January 2026 until 29 March 2026 and candidates will be announced soon after. Voting will then run until end of day on 30 April 2026, with the delegate announced online as soon as possible after voting has closed. Voting will require voters to donate a small amount of €3 or more, up to their preference, to the fund.

The EFF delegate will commit to participate in the fund management for the next two years and also produce a trip report to be published on this website.

If you feel unsure about how to go about getting any of these things, what the fund pays for or the duties of an EFF delegate and administrator, then feel free to contact us in confidence – we’re happy to help!

Important Dates

Mark your calendar for these key milestones

What is Eurocon?

Eurocon is the yearly all European festival for Science Fiction and Fatnasy, held in a different country each year. It is traditionally the event that gathers fans, authors, artists, journalists from all across the continent. The convention usually offers many talks, panels, workshops, presentations and performances, roundtables, signings and interviews.

The convention is run with the support of ESFS, the European Science Fiction Society that represents the fandom of European countries. It is organized by a local team and usually builds on a local festival but adds English speaking programme. Usually, there are also exhibitions, competitions, tourist outings and other side events.

Eurocon also hosts the European Science Fiction Society Awards. All European countries can submit nominations for the Awards' many categories. For more details you can visit the ESFS website.

This year's Eurocon was voted to be in Germany. It will coincide with the local Metropolcon in Berlin, 2-5 July 2026. The European Fan Fund is devoted to helping fellow fans attend the Eurocons in order to foster community building and exchange of ideas and good will.

🗳️ Vote for Your Candidate

Voting is now closed! See the winner.

Voting is very simple! First, acquaint yourself with the candidates for the EFF 2026 delegate, as presented above. Then, you can vote on this website by:

  1. clicking on the Donate button below and supporting the fund with €3 or more. Once the transaction is complete, please record its number (don't worry even if you miss it) and close the popup.
  2. a voting form should then be visible below. Read carefully the text and cast your vote. Note that voting is based on preferential ranking, so you will need to rank your preference of candidates or indicate that you have no preference. More information is in the form, once you complete your donation.

If anything goes wrong with the popup, you can also: Lastly, don't forget to spread the word to fellow fans, on social media, forums, groups and conventions!

The Candidates

Hephaestion Demetrios Christopoulos

I am a Greek writer, translator and editor. I would really like to represent a country that is vastly underrepresented in the European and global scene. If you'd like, I believe I could make a presentation or take part in a panel and present the strange history of SFF in Greece.

Nominators:

  • Thomas Recktenwald
  • Kostas Charitos
  • Britt-Louise Viklund

Marcel Gherman

I am a writer and journalist from Moldova. Two of my books of science fiction and fantasy received the Writers Union of Moldova Award for Debut on 2012 and for Best book for Children and Youth. I published many articles about European science fiction in the press including Cultural magazine Contrafort in Moldova and online magazine Gaxeta SF in Romania. I am the editor of printed cultural magazine Sud Est Cultural.

Nominators:

  • Catalin Badea-Gheracostea
  • Bridget Wilkinson
  • Constantin Cheianu

Paul Carroll

I am a reader and writer of SFF, typically (but not exclusively) focusing on horror and the supernatural. I write across prose fiction and comics, and helped form two creative collectives in Ireland - Cupán Fae and Limit Break Comics.

My journey into fandom began with a web-documentary on comic book culture in Ireland, in 2015. I went from having never been to a convention to attending and filming at six in one summer. This turned into running a review website for comics, running a monthly market in Dublin and helping to organise Small Press Day, and eventually organising multiple SFF anthologies across prose and comics.

From 2021-2024, I worked as part of Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention. I was part of the programme team for my first two years, then took on the role of Chair for 2023 and 2024. The Octocon community have been true friends, and saw me through some of the toughest parts of my adult life, during and after my time working with the convention.

I've been a programme participant at WorldCon in Glasgow and EasterCon in Belfast, and had the joy of attending Smofcon in Lisbon in 2021. Each of those events allowed me to meet some amazing members of fandom outside of the Irish group I know, and I can't wait to repeat that sort of experience again in the future!

Nominators:

  • Catherine Sharp
  • Kat Dodd
  • Veronika Bártová

George Kharaishvili

There is a considerably developed fandom of Sci-Fi and Fantasy in Georgia, with dedicated publishing houses, board game clubs, attempts at producing high-quality literature, active translation projects and much more. However, this movement is more or less isolated from the European movements and processes.

There are several reasons - one is an existing language barrier, not in simple, day-to-day communication, but in the complexities of translation. While Georgians try to keep up with modern SFF literature, it is extremely hard to have something translated from Georgian to English, especially since all governmental programs that supported such projects have shut down.

Moreover, there is a current economic and political crisis in Georgia. Many members of the community are EU supporters and therefore, the protestors of current political trajectory of our illegitimate government. Considering how aggressively the local government tries to suppress such protest, a lot of members of the community either have hefty fines, or are trying to help others to pay them, or support currently jailed protestors in prison, etc.

Therefore, even locations like Berlin are not affordable without fund support and hence, my participation fully depends on the availability of funding.

Considering my experience and expertise in the relevant fields, I believe I can provide valuable insights during discussions or even present issues related to my background - that being writing, translating, reviewing, academic research, or DM-ing SFF related materials. I am very communicative and have experience of being active at book fairs or even giving lectures (also on these issues). But to me, my participation is more about finding and then strengthening a connection between communities. As a member of the Georgian community, I believe that there is a lot we can give, and a lot we can take, and now it all depends on the provided opportunities.

Nominators:

  • Mariam Kvitsiani
  • Francesco Verso
  • Elena Pavlova

Jan Vaněk Jr.

300 words absurdly much; at least allows sections:

Who, I?

Czech (rarely even proud), 1976 (so personal Golden Age coincided with Booming 90s), sercon(n?!)ish/bookish.

Fan online/internationally since good old Usenet: edited ISFDB, Wikipedia when (they) still young, sent SFE corrections, commented @focal-point blogs, pilgrimaged to European Worldcons (sadly missed ’24, but miraculously made Seattle; also reinvigorated by Luxcon ’22), publish WOOFzine Newt News. Honestly, kinda failed @all. Yeah, also ran for TAFF, lost by record margin.

Yet: 2022– expanded Fancyclopedia >150k words, many quite original/unique/revelatory, some commended. Still find immense, invigorating, useful fun. About the only editor (now) knowledgeable about European languages & topics.

Other interests: translatology, Sorabistics, craft beer. More: Fancyclopedia.org/User:JVjr

Why send me to Berlin?

To great chagrin, know only elementary, tourist-survival German. (Will finish Duolingo by July, but experience says it helps little). Yet among formative reading Wer stiehlt schon Unterschenkel?, Andymon, Das Königsprojekt, “Ein paar… Szenen…” (sorry, Hahn, too many words), even some Jeschke; greatly respect Rottensteiner. Would love to see Erik Simon again, revisit AnotherCountry.de, meet Nuremberg team, thank SFCD/Recktenwald for earlier kindness…

Why send to Berlin ME?

Just 4 hours by scenic train, relatively cheap – can even pay myself, unlike other expens(iv)es –, EFF would save.

Obviously, happy to contribute to program (topics should be obvious). Would do my best to improve at least contacts, if not relationships European – Czech fandom (however moribund). Will work on more Euro Fancy entries, even start rewriting SFE Czech one.

As EFF admin: Should be clear now have unfortunate combination OCD, ADD, procrastination. Still, swear would manage. Also, improve transparency /website per best practices of Big Three.

(Results-independent, ’course:) Anyone (not minding Fannish Splendour) ever in Prague, my couch(es) at your disposal.

Nominators:

  • Zdeněk Rampas
  • Mark Plummer
  • Johan Anglemark

Support and Vote

Help fans attend the Eurocon 💙
Donate €3+ to support the fund and cast your vote.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the fund. If you have another question that we haven't answered here, please feel free to contact us by email and we will do our best to reply promptly and add it to the list.

How can I vote for an EFF delegate?

Provided you satisfy the requirements listed below, you can vote by supporting the fund with a small donation of €3 or more, up to your preference. Donations and voting on the website is done via PayPal but you don't need a PayPal account. Once you acquaint yourself with the candidates and their platforms shown in the Vote section above, click on the blue Donate button, finish the donation transaction and record your transaction ID (at the end of the donation) in case the system doesn't record it. You can then close the popup and the voting form should be visible to you. Read carefully the text and cast your vote!

What do I do if I am not able to donate via the popup or the form doesn't show up?

In all cases where you aren't able to use the donation link or it failed for some reason, don't hesitate to contact us by email - if you have donated, please describe in your email the basic details - when did the transaction take place, the amount, name, etc, so that we can verify it. If you can't use PayPal at all, even with a card, please drop us a line and we will provide alternative ways of voting.

Who can stand for EFF?

EFF is open to any fan active in European fandom for over 2 years (meaning prior to January 2024). “Active” is considered to mean participating in common fannish activities such as attending conventions, producing fanzines or writing blog posts, or participating in local science fiction groups. As per the Fund rules, candidate should come from a country different than the Eurocon hosting country and different than EFF race winners from the last two years. It means this year it is open for fans from countries other than Germany, Bulgaria or Poland.

Who can support the nomination for an EFF candidate?

Similarly to candidates, nominators must be active in fandom since at least the start of 2024. Please note that the choice of nominators may impact how the voting will go, as people who don’t know enough about a particular candidate may be voting partially based on the nominators. Fans willing to nominate may of course approach potential candidates and propose the nomination to them.

What does the fund cover?

If you are voted the EFF delegate, the fund covers:

  • your Eurocon membership
  • the round-trip flight ticket from anywhere in Europe
  • along with any train or bus tickets if there are no easy direct flights
  • the lodging costs

The fund management works with the delegate to find the best possible options.

How can I find nominators in another country?

You might already have friends in fandom in a different country but if that is not the case there are a few options. You may know or find someone through your activities in social media. You may also find someone through your blog, fanzine or a mailing list you participate in. EFF administrators can help with putting you in touch with people, but you still have to convince them you are a good nominee. The more you know your nominators the more likely they are to actively encourage other fans to vote for you.

Who can vote in EFF?

Anyone active in fandom before the start of 2025. If a voter thinks they might not be known to the administrators, they can include brief information that would help verify their fannish activities (e.g. name of a fannish friend they have in common, link to their blog, information about their fanzine, photo of convention badges etc.)

What is the “platform”?

A 300-word platform for each candidate is printed on the ballot forms, along with the names of their nominators. The content of the platform is up to the candidate, but broadly speaking it should explain who the candidate is and what is their involvement in fandom. Platforms should be strictly 300 words or under, which does not need to include your name. Of course candidates are encouraged to write more about themselves on their blog, social media, fanzine etc.

Why must a “bond” be paid?

It might seem counter-intuitive that candidates must pay a fee to become a candidate when the fund is for sending them to convention, but this small financial commitment is intended to act as a guarantee that, in all reasonable circumstances, they will make the trip if they win.

How exactly does the nomination process happen?

To stand, you must fill in and submit the form on the left above, in the Apply section. Then, you must submit your bond by using the PayPal button on the right. Alternatively, you can use your own PayPal account and send the bond to europeanfanfund@gmail.com by PayPal, making sure to use the same email address you used for the registration, or put it in the notes so that we can match the payment to the nomination. We will then reach out to the three supporters you have listed in the form in order to confirm your nomination and verify your credentials as a fan according to the rules. From that point onwards, you can be considered a candidate and eligible for the voting.

Should I openly ask people to vote for me?

Yes! Both you and your nominators are encouraged to campaign. EFF welcomes many forms of campaigning, including in person at conventions and other events, or online, in fanzines, and in other media.

If I can afford to go anyway, should I stand for EFF?

The purpose of the EFF is to create and strengthen bonds between European fans and fandoms. It is not about money but about the willingness to connect fandoms in different countries. You can stand for EFF whether you would be able to afford the trip or not. Of course, if you feel that a fellow fan that has difficulties attending should have more chances, you can abstain, too. We leave that up to the fans themselves.

Where does the money come from?

There are a few main sources of money:

  • Everyone who votes in the race pays a voting fee.
  • The hosting Eurocon may support the trip in a given year
  • After their trip, each winner is expected to find ways to raise funds, including producing a trip report for sale.
  • Like other fan funds, EFF runs auctions and other fundraising events at major conventions to raise both awareness and money towards future trips.
  • The delegate is generally expected to leave the fund in a similar or better state to that in which they found it. Yet there will be fans willing to help you in that!

What happens on an EFF trip?

EFF aims to send fans to Eurocon in order to allow them to meet other fans. The whole idea is about building bridges between fandoms in different countries. Eurocon is a great opportunity to get to know people, tell them about your local fandom and learn about fandom in other places. As you will be an ambassador of your local fandom this can involve helping out at the convention, taking part in the programme, possibly presenting an award, helping with fundraising for future EFF trips, and generally being as visible and friendly as you can.

How long is the trip?

EFF is a young fund and cannot offer trips as long as are known from TAFF, GUFF, and some other fan funds. The trip should last for the length of the Eurocon, but if there are opportunities to stay with nearby fans for longer this is encouraged.

What else should the candidate do?

Once the trip finishes the winner becomes the co-administrator of the EFF. It means the winner is responsible for managing two next races . It is also their duty to raise and manage the EFF money for future trips. Although it may sound difficult, there are other fans willing to help with both fund administration and money-raising. The two years after the trip is also a time when the winner is expected to either produce a trip report or make a fanzine together with fans met at the Eurocon in order to help other fans understand more about the experience.

Person X is standing. There’s no way I could beat them. What should I do?

One of the important fundraising methods for EFF is the money people pay to vote. A strong field of candidates will encourage fans to vote. Encouraging voters may help you to become a winner. It is historically known that some fans won in races against more well-known fans. There is always a possibility to convince voters to support you: just show them why you would make a good candidate.

But isn’t it just a popularity contest?

Popularity and well-established fannish connections certainly help, but it might not guarantee winning. Active campaigning and great ideas for building bridges across fandoms in different countries may be a deciding factor in any race.

How many people can run?

As many as they wish! There is no limit to the number of applicants. The more candidates run, the more interesting the race is and the more votes and contributions it is likely to get (which is very important!). Fan funds are about fannish collaboration, and competition between candidates is and should be friendly.

Can my partner and I run on a joint ticket?

Although in the past many fan funds have been won by couples (or friends) running on joint tickets, EFF cannot provide such an option this year. This depends on the fund’s financial status, and as this is only the third race we need to be cautious about that. Yet we hope to be able to offer such an option in the future.