©Ben Kuhlmann Woche der Meinungsfreiheit 2026
Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, Stiftung Freedom of Expression & frankfurter agentur allianz
In democracies, freedom of expression is a fundamental right. But what happens when people deliberately spread false information? Are they allowed to do so as long as they are “just expressing an opinion”? Or does society need clear boundaries in order to protect, not least, social cohesion and democracy itself?
The Woche der Meinungsfreiheit 2026 will address questions such as: Where does opinion end – and where does responsibility begin? What role do the media play, and how do they shape our perception of truth? How do we handle different “truths” in public discourse? How selectively do we perceive truth and opinion in the digital sphere – and how can we even distinguish “true” from “credible” in times of fake news, deepfakes and AI?
The Week of Freedom of Expression will open on 5 May at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt. Further events are being planned across Germany.
As always, publishers, booksellers, companies, organisations, institutions and individuals are invited to stand up for freedom of expression with their own events, activities and projects. In 2026, too, the Woche der Meinungsfreiheit will once again give a voice to the banned book and call especially on bookshops – as places of encounter – to take an active part with special displays, shop windows, events and initiatives.
