Week of Freedom of Expression 2027 opens in Frankfurt with new eastern Germany focus

The nationwide Week of Freedom of Expression runs 3‑10 May 2027 under the motto “Who thinks for you?”, focusing on judgment in a digitally saturated society.

The opening ceremony will take place on 3 May in Frankfurt’s historic Paulskirche, inviting booksellers to join the discussion.

Events are being organised across eastern Germany, with activities planned in Magdeburg, Leipzig, Dresden, Rostock and Halle, while flagship programmes are slated for Berlin, Cologne, Karlsruhe and Munich.

Bookstores will receive free posters and bookmarks, and are encouraged to host window displays and reading tables featuring recommended titles that stimulate critical thinking.

A curated reading list, compiled by the IG Meinungsfreiheit & Demokratie, will be published on the campaign website early next year.

New partners for 2027 include CORRECTIV, the Otto‑Brenner‑Stiftung, the Werte Stiftung, PEN Deutschland and Literaturhaus Magdeburg, alongside returning allies such as the Deutsche Bibliotheksverband, Holtzbrinck, Penguin Random House, the NS‑Dokumentationszentrum and Bertelsmann.

The Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels will host a digital briefing in early February to outline the programme and communication plan, with registration via email to stefanie.stein@politycki-partner.de.