Organised by the European University Institute (EUI) in partnership with a broad European consortium, the new Florence edition will sharpen its focus on media freedom, experiment with new formats, and deepen its connection with local communities across Europe. After Florence, ‘Voices’ will travel to two additional European cities for the next editions.
“What began as an ambitious idea — to create the ‘First European Festival of Journalism and Media Freedom’ — is now a reality,” said Giovanni Melogli (Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom at the EUI), coordinator of the project. “After two powerful editions, a growing consortium and strong backing from civil society organisations across the continent, ‘Voices’ has proven that when truly European organisations come together to foster bottom-up dialogue, the effort is worth it. 'Voices’ is a Festival by Europeans, for Europeans.”
Why it matters — now more than ever
Across Europe, democratic values are under strain. Free, independent media, shielded from commercial and political interference, is essential to keep power accountable. Equally vital are informed citizens who are resilient to disinformation and manipulative discourse, equipped with the critical skills to spot and resist misinformation and fake news. 'Voices' is where these two forces meet, reinforce each other, and defend what they share.
These two forces need more space to get closer, and that space can’t be another platform — they deserve a place to meet face-to-face, with real rooms for insightful and inspiring conversations. This is what 'Voices' has built over the past two years - and that is what we will continue doing.
What 'Voices' does
In a society that too often makes us feel disconnected, 'Voices' brings people back together. Journalists, media professionals, scholars, students, and citizens meet in an informal, hands-on setting to learn, exchange, and experience: workshops that teach verification and storytelling; public debates that surface hard questions; screenings, exhibitions, and live performances that turn complex issues into cultural and festive experiences, creating a shared understanding of what journalism and media freedom mean for our societies.
Locally rooted, European in spirit
European in scope, 'Voices' is rooted in the local. Each edition is locally coordinated and built with partners on the ground—from associations and community outlets to students and young professionals—so that conversations land where they matter most: in neighbourhoods, classrooms, newsrooms, and town halls. The 2026 return to Florence, where the festival began, is both a homecoming and a fresh start: the same, and more.
'Voices' is a place where young and local journalists are given the space they deserve to showcase their work, share experiences, and together shape the story of what kind of journalism we want and need. In Zagreb, we witnessed the energy that drives the future of journalism. Young people showed that they know how to ask questions, build bridges, and tell stories that connect communities. In Florence, we continue the journey,” said Maja Sever, President of the Trade Union of Croatian Journalists (TUCJ) and European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).
Project consortium
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 (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.
For updates, visit voicesfestival.eu and follow our channels:
Media contacts
Mariaclaudia Carella, Press Officer, EUI
[email protected]
+393454647312
Giulia Giannasi, Communications Lead, Voices
[email protected]
+393420587371