The Europe Challenge 2025/26: Amsterdam Summit
From 3 to 5 June 2026, libraries and communities from across Europe gather at OBA Oosterdok in Amsterdam for the final summit of The Europe Challenge 2025/26. Held under the symbolic title “Libraries at the Heart of Europe”, the summit calls for libraries to be fully recognised as vital infrastructure at the core of Europe’s democratic, cultural, and civic life. Bringing together 60 libraries from over 20 countries, selected from more than 300 applications, the summit focuses on how local initiatives are responding to shared social, digital and environmental challenges across the continent.
Over three days, participants, including library professionals, community organisers, policymakers and funders, will exchange practices, test ideas and present their work in a marketplace that connects local action to a wider European context. The programme combines conversations on the evolving role of libraries with study visits across Amsterdam, offering a closer look at how community-led approaches are taking shape on the ground.
Alongside the summit, a dedicated Libraries for Europe Funders Forum will bring foundations and public funders into the conversation, including contributions from André Wilkens, Director of the European Cultural Foundation, and Vivian Paulissen, Programme Director of The Europe Challenge. The session creates space to align priorities, share insights and explore how sustained investment can strengthen libraries as part of Europe’s democratic future.
The Europe Challenge and the Libraries at the heart of Europe Amsterdam Summit are supported by Arts Council England, Fondazione Cariplo and The Scottish Library and Information Council, and co-funded by the European Union. Together, these partners are investing in libraries as civic infrastructure where people come together, build trust and take part in shaping their communities. Follow our Libraries for Europe LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook accounts for on-the-ground updates, and keep an eye out for recordings of plenary sessions after the event.