Maltese author and poet Immanuel Mifsud has been named one of the 2026 laureates of the International Chapter of the European Medal of Poetry and Art Homes, receiving international recognition for what the jury described as his "courageous probing into the darkest recesses of the human psyche, and for his uncompromising portrayal of pathological family bonds that breed profound trauma."

Speaking to WhosWho.mt, Prof. Mifsud admitted that the recognition came as a complete surprise.

"This was a big surprise for me because I didn't know of the Homer Medal, nor that I was being considered for it," he said. "The fact that it comes from an international organisation rather than a Maltese one makes the surprise even greater."

Despite his delight, the acclaimed writer said he views the award as carrying a deeper meaning than personal recognition.

"To me, this medal means responsibility. What I write is being read and, in one way or another, it is communicating with someone. That means I have a responsibility for what I am sharing," he explained.

While acknowledging that he is honoured by the recognition, Prof. Mifsud said he remains grounded.

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't delighted by this honour, but at home I was always taught to stay humble," he tells the newsroom, and as a former student of his I can attest that he truly is.

He also described the award as a milestone not only for himself, but for Maltese literature more broadly.

"This honour shows that the dream my generation of writers shared when we were young – that our works would travel beyond Malta's shores – is becoming a reality. We believed in that dream and worked towards it."

Prof. Mifsud noted that he is not the first Maltese writer to receive international literary recognition and expressed confidence that many more will follow.

"I am sure that, before long, other Maltese writers will receive honours like this and even greater ones."

He also paid tribute to the publishers and translators who have helped bring Maltese literature to international audiences. "I want to thank the publishers, Klabb Kotba Maltin, and the translators whose knowledge and creativity have carried our writing to readers in different parts of the world."

Prof. Mifsud has received numerous literary accolades throughout his career. In 2011, he became the first Maltese writer to receive the European Union Prize for Literature, while in 2014 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Merit of the Republic in recognition of his contribution to Maltese literature. His works have since been translated into several languages, including English, French, Arabic and others.