Home / The Foundation / About us / Annual Themes Annual Themes Responsibility – Annual Theme for 2026 The Bundeskanzler-Willy-Brandt-Stiftung’s annual program for 2026 is based on the motto “Responsibility” and takes on the question of what political, societal, and global responsibility means today—and who should take over responsibility. How can Germany and Europe manage the countless problems and crises of the present day—whether in foreign and security policy, climate policy, or in the face of the global rise of authoritarian movements and regimes? The program in Berlin, Lübeck, and Unkel features a wide range of events and highlights. Admission to all events is free. Further information on the Foundation’s upcoming schedule can be found in the program overviews for each location. As part of the anniversary program for Willy Brandt’s chancellorship (1969–1974), we not only remembered outstanding achievements and successes, but also subjected Brandt’s reign to a historical and critical examination. Each anniversary year had a theme. This represented a focus of the “Brandt era” and at the same time referred to current and future problems. These annual themes were: Democracy (2019), Peace (2020), Renewal (2021), Participation (2022), Europe (2023) and Crises (2024).
