Germany has made combatting hate speech a central topic during its presidency of the Council of Europe. That's absolutely critical, says Martin Schulz. Because what people say online not only shapes how opinions are formed but also influences the spread of fake news and misinformation beyond national borders. Europe needs to take a united approach to oppose this, and in the Council of Europe, countries can network and jointly develop strategies against hate speech.

Sabrina Fabian

If people are being deliberately silenced online, the role of the FES is clear: “Our fundamental mission is to mobilise constructive forces against this kind of hatred. Our conference is part of that mission.”

Katrin Rulle

Martin Schulz, President of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, opens the second day of the conference with a quote by Friedrich Ebert. “We need men and women who are prepared to stand up for the values of humanity and dignity.”

Katrin Rulle