European publishing leaders debate AI's future at Vienna congress

Media leaders from across Europe gathered in Vienna this week for the annual European Publishing Congress.

Among the attendees was AnewZ's Orkhan Amashov, who joined more than 500 executives at the event to discuss artificial intelligence and its impact on the media and publishing industries.

AI at the centre of discussions

The central question posed at the 2026 edition of the congress, held at Palais Niederösterreich, was: "Will we be able to govern and control AI before it governs us?"

Speakers included German-American journalist Ulrike Langer, who explored new revenue models emerging from the shift towards AI, and Laura Seiffe of Die Zeit, who discussed how the technology has been integrated into one of Germany's leading national weekly newspapers.

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Industry experts share insights

Other speakers included German radio and television presenter Chris Guse, who spoke about why editorial teams need a common data language to collaborate effectively with partners.

The programme also featured Pascal Biedenweg of FUNKE, Germany's largest media conglomerate, and veteran German journalist Stefan Aust.

The 2026 European Publishing Congress took place from 17 to 18 June.

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