PublicSpaces Conference 2026

The European Cultural Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen digital citizenship and autonomy and combat political polarisation online. That is why we support the annual PublicSpaces conference. PublicSpaces wants to evoke awareness and debate on what it means to have a safe European digital public space, with AI based on public values and social media that foster democracy.

In their 2026 theme ‘Technology for Democracy’ PublicSpaces shares our belief that a digital public space is essential for a healthy democratic society. The sixth edition of the PublicSpaces Conference will take place on 4-5-6 June 2026.

The internet increasingly serves as an arena for geopolitical strategies. Non-transparent algorithms and the unrestrained spread of AI-generated fake news cause disinformation and polarisation. As a result, a shared reality – with room for democratic values such as freedom of expression, the prohibition of discrimination, and the right to privacy – is no longer a given, and public debate and free elections are under threat.

Indeed, the current state of tech can feel disheartening. Years of critical analysis and reform efforts have left us with a digital sphere that seems worse than ever. In Europe, our leaders appear unable to formulate a clear strategy, preferring vague promises around AI, delaying enforcement, or undercutting Europe’s own tech industry to protect the exports of 20th-century industrial incumbents. Meanwhile, tech monopolies have openly aligned with authoritarian power, and CEOs are openly discussing the erosion of democracy.

Yet as dark as the situation may be, it is also clearer than ever.

That is why we look much forward to this year’s PublicSpaces conference, presenting keynotes, panels, workshops, and an art programme bringing together researchers, policymakers, technologists, journalists, artists, and activists from across Europe and beyond.

Keynote speaker Robin Berjon will outline strategies to bring democracy to the internet, and highlights examples of projects that point us toward a healthier, more hopeful digital sphere that works for all of us.

We look forward to meeting you at the conference. PublicSpaces is organised by PublicSpaces, WAAG FutureLab and NewPublic.