re:publica is Europe's largest annual conference on the digital society, focusing on the social, political, and cultural impacts of digitalization, including Web 2.0, social media, blogs, and the information society.123 Established in 2007 by the operators of the German blogs Spreeblick and netzpolitik.org, it has grown into a three-day event held each May in Berlin, Germany, funded by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung.37
The conference's purpose is to foster discussions, debates, and alliances on pressing digital issues, such as politics and society, AI ethics, data ownership, digital security, and democracy's role in technology development.268 For re:publica 26 in 2026, the motto "Never gonna give you up" emphasizes commitment to a respectful internet rooted in Web 2.0 principles—encouraging disagreement without hostility, reclaiming online spaces, and shaping a hopeful digital future together.6 Key topics span tracks like Politics & Society, with sessions on current societal ramifications of digitalization, alongside hands-on workshops, off-stage events, and special formats.29 All talks and discussions are streamed online.3
It targets a diverse audience representing the digital society, including professionals, activists, policymakers, technologists, and the public interested in media, culture, politics, technology, and entertainment.1210 Expected outcomes include new alliances, innovative ideas for responsible tech development, enhanced networks, and public discourse to influence digital policy and culture.268
The event promotes diversity and an open society through its code of conduct, with accreditation, talks from morning to late night, and ticketed entry covering all days.14