Germany's Civic Education Agency Names New Leaders to Fight Disinformation and Extremism
Germany's Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) has introduced new leadership as part of a major organisational reform. Sönke Rix and Dr. Volker Ullrich took office as president and vice president on March 1, 2026. Their appointments were confirmed by the federal cabinet three days later, marking a renewed focus on combating disinformation and extremism.
The bpb, which operates from Bonn, Berlin and Gera with nearly 420 employees, runs over 2,000 civic education events each year. Its mission includes fostering political understanding, democratic awareness and public participation. The agency's 2026 budget stands at around €103 million, supporting its work under the guidance of an academic council and a 22-member board of trustees from the Bundestag.
The reform, effective September 1, 2025, did not alter the bpb's core activities but reinforced its role in defending democracy. Rix expressed satisfaction with his appointment, stressing the need for strong civic education. Ullrich warned of rising authoritarian threats and highlighted the agency's duty to uphold civil liberties.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt welcomed the new leadership, stating it would strengthen the bpb's impact and raise the profile of civic education across Germany.
The bpb now moves forward with a clear mandate to tackle online hate, disinformation and extremism. With Rix and Ullrich at the helm, the agency aims to bolster democratic cohesion through expanded educational efforts. The federal government's backing underscores the importance of its work in the coming years.
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