Building on the success of its debut in Florence and the second edition in Zagreb — which, combined, drew over 2,000 participants — Voices 2026 promises an even richer programme, with new partners, formats, and opportunities to engage.

At a time when democratic values are under pressure across Europe, free and independent media are more vital than ever. Voices brings together journalists, media professionals, scholars, students, and citizens to explore what journalism means for our societies, strengthen resilience against disinformation, and celebrate the role of media in safeguarding democracy.

The festival offers a unique mix of experiences: hands-on workshops on verification and storytelling, public debates tackling pressing issues, screenings, exhibitions, and live performances that turn complex topics into engaging, festive encounters. Every edition is locally rooted, ensuring that conversations resonate in communities while maintaining a distinctly European spirit.

Following Florence, the festival will continue its journey across Europe, bringing media freedom closer to local communities.

Behind Voices stands a varied consortium of European organisations committed to protecting media freedom. These are the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (lead partner based at the European University Institute), the European Federation of Journalists, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), the AISBL EBU-UER, the European Association for Viewers Interests, Lie Detectors, Savoir Devenir, and Deutsche Welle. The Journalists' Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers (ESIEMTH) is an affiliated partner of the project. 

Voices is co-funded by the European Union.

Full programme, speakers, and registration details will be announced in November 2025.