The M100 Sanssouci Colloquium was conceived by a group of leading media and public figures as a unique forum which would bring together Europe’s top editors, commentators and media owners (print, broadcasting and internet) alongside key public figures to assess the role and impact of the media in European and international affairs. The initiative evolved into a major annual gathering which takes place at the historic palaces Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, Germany. As a modern-day East-West bridge-builder, the Colloquium fosters cross-continental media relations and exposes not only differences but also commonalities in the challenges faced by media from different cultures and geographies.

The conference in 2005 focussed upon the central question of “Quo vadis Europa?”. “The Media in Times of International Crisis” was the topic in 2006. In 2007, the conference focussed on launching a „Meeting of Arab and European Media“.

2008 we are inviting participants from Russia, Central Asia and the Caucasus to join colleagues from Europe to assess their understanding and portrayal of some of the major issues of contemporary mutual concern, namely, the competition for influence in the shared Russian and European neighbourhoods, energy security and the rise of China.

As part of an annual series of events – Medienwoche Berlin-Brandenburg – the Colloquium is co-organised by the state capital of Potsdam and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.