Metropolcon 2026 Concludes in Berlin: A Milestone for European Speculative Fiction

BERLIN – The European science fiction community reached a significant milestone this week as Metropolcon, serving as the 2026 Eurocon, officially concluded its festivities in the German capital. Marked by a spirit of international cooperation, a celebration of resilience, and a deep dive into the literary and cinematic arts, the convention drew hundreds of fans, professionals, and creators from across the globe.

The event, held at the historic and architecturally striking Kuppenhalle, culminated in a closing ceremony that signaled not just the end of a successful weekend, but the beginning of a new era for European fandom as the "ESFS Flag" was passed to the next host city.

Main Facts: A Resounding Success in the Heart of Europe

Metropolcon 2026 distinguished itself through meticulous organization and a curated program that balanced traditional fan interests with contemporary global issues. Under the leadership of Chair Claudia Rapp, the convention transformed the octagonal, terrazzo-floored Kuppenhalle into a vibrant hub for speculative thought.

The convention featured 188 distinct program items, ranging from academic panels on alternate histories to intimate workshops with world-renowned authors. Despite the high attendance, organizers were praised for a "smoothly run" operation where logistical hurdles were kept to a minimum, and room capacities were managed effectively to ensure attendee comfort.

Key highlights included the presentation of the European Science Fiction Society (ESFS) Awards, the announcement of future Eurocon hosts, and a profound focus on the contributions of Ukrainian creators who continue to produce art under the shadow of ongoing conflict.

Chronology of the Closing Ceremony

The final day of Metropolcon was characterized by a palpable sense of community. As the afternoon sun filtered through the 17-meter-high pyramid-shaped mansard roof of the Kuppenhalle, the closing ceremony began.

A Tribute to the Committee and Volunteers

Chair Claudia Rapp took the stage to a thunderous ovation, expressing her gratitude to the guests of honor and the committee members. Rapp emphasized that running a convention of this scale is a labor of passion, requiring immense determination and hard work. The committee, many of whom were visible on stage, were celebrated for their commitment to creating a seamless experience for the delegates.

A significant portion of the ceremony was dedicated to the volunteers. Rapp highlighted the "goodwill and energy" of those who managed badge checking, program logistics, and the myriad of small but vital tasks that sustain a major convention. In a personal note, she thanked her own daughters for their support, illustrating the multi-generational nature of modern fandom.

The Passing of the Flag

The ceremony’s emotional peak occurred during the formal transfer of the ESFS Flag. Maria Inês Santos and Rogério Ribeiro, chairs of the upcoming Forum Fantastico Eurocon in Lisbon, received the banner to cheers from the audience. This tradition marks the transition of the "Eurocon" mantle to the next host city. The Lisbon team shared their vision for 2027, highlighting their venue at the "Unicorn Factory" in the Beato Innovation District, an area known for its blend of historical industrialism and modern innovation.

Honors and Recognitions

The ceremony also served as a platform to honor those who have dedicated their lives to the genre:

• Thomas Recktenwald: The veteran German fan received the ESFS Grand Master Award, recognizing decades of volunteerism and leadership in both Worldcons and Eurocons.
• Constanze Hofmann: Awarded the Andreas Kuschke Prize, which specifically recognizes the "ordinary helpers"—those who work reliably in the background as room managers and badge checkers—named after the late German fan Andreas Kuschke.

Supporting Data: Literary Breadth and Logistical Interconnectivity

The success of Metropolcon was underpinned by its impressive diversity of voices and the logistical ease with which attendees navigated the continent to attend.

The Ukrainian Presence

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of Metropolcon 2026 was the strong presence of Ukrainian fans and writers. Despite the "murderous attack" on their nation, these creators continue to foster a vibrant speculative fiction community.

• All Mor (Аль Мор) 2025: An actual festival dedicated to the fantastic in Ukraine, it won the Best Event Prize.
• U Are the Universe (Ти — космос): This Ukrainian film received the ESFS Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
• Valeriia Savotina: Presenting her fourth book, Vandalism, an urban fantasy featuring the murals of Kyiv, Savotina was hailed as a rising star in the genre.
• Nataly Matolinets: A winner of the 2023 ESFS Chrysalis award, Matolinets shared her essay "How Are You?", a haunting reflection on the reality of living under air-raid alerts while maintaining a creative life.

The Fanzine Revival

Metropolcon saw a resurgence of interest in fanzines, the traditional lifeblood of sci-fi fandom. Notable publications distributed included:

• There’s a Zeppelin Park: A visually striking zine featuring intricate maps.
• Dave’s Bilingual Eurocon Fanzine: Edited by Dave Hodson, this publication featured contributions from Udo Klotz and Rob Hansen, presented in both English and German.
• The Drink Tank 464: A special bilingual issue focused on the history of German fanzines, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of the medium.

Logistical Hub: Berlin as a Gateway

The convention’s location at Berlin Hauptbahnhof served as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of European fandom. On the morning following the con, delegates departed on high-speed ICE trains for Amsterdam, Prague, Vienna, and Paris. Observers noted that the European rail network allows for extraordinary journeys—such as the 1,436-mile trip from Berlin to Lisbon—symbolizing the borderless nature of the speculative fiction community.

Official Responses and Professional Perspectives

The convention drew praise from established professionals and newcomers alike.

Luis Filipe Silva, a member of the Forum Fantastico team and a newly inducted member of the ESFS Hall of Fame (Best Author), noted the vibrancy of the writing community present in Berlin. Similarly, New York Times bestseller Sarah Rees Brennan and ESFS Spirit of Dedication winner Ruth Long were in attendance, representing the Irish contingent and promoting the Dublin 2029 Worldcon bid.

Borys Sydiuk, a prominent figure in Ukrainian fandom, expressed his delight at the success of Ukrainian creators at the awards. "We all look forward to another Eurocon in Kyiv some day," he remarked, a sentiment that resonated deeply with the international delegates.

Alona Silina, a literary agent and promoter of Ukrainian speculative fiction, spoke on the "vibrant network" of writers producing urban fantasy and sci-fi in Ukraine, emphasizing that the community is not just surviving, but actively evolving despite the existential crisis facing their country.

Implications: The Future of European Fandom

Metropolcon 2026 has set a high bar for future Eurocons, demonstrating that a successful convention requires a blend of professional curation and grassroots fan energy. Several key implications emerge from the event:

1. The Growing Influence of the "Euro-Circuit"

The enthusiasm for upcoming events like SMOFcon 43 in Lisbon (December 2024) and SFeraKon 50 (Eurocon 2028) suggests a burgeoning cohort of international fans who are increasingly mobile and invested in the success of conventions across the continent. The "quiet chats" regarding potential future bids for Worldcon in various European cities indicate a high level of ambition within the community.

2. Art as Resistance

The recognition of Ukrainian creators at Metropolcon underscores the role of speculative fiction as a tool for resilience. By awarding "All Mor" and "U Are the Universe," the ESFS has acknowledged that the act of gathering and creating during wartime is a profound achievement. This has fostered a deeper sense of solidarity within the European SF community.

3. Professionalism in Fandom

The "smoothly run" nature of Metropolcon is a testament to the increasing professionalization of convention management. As these events grow in size and complexity, the ability to balance high-level programming with volunteer-led operations will be crucial for the sustainability of the Eurocon brand.

4. Cultural Integration

The emphasis on bilingual fanzines and multilingual panels reflects a move toward a more integrated European fandom. Rather than operating in silos, national fan groups are increasingly collaborating, sharing histories, and translating works to reach a broader audience.

As the attendees of Metropolcon 2026 disperse via trains and buses to the far corners of the continent, they carry with them a sense of renewed energy. The convention in Berlin was not merely a gathering of fans; it was a demonstration of the power of the "fantastic" to unite people across borders, languages, and even the harsh realities of war. The eyes of the community now turn toward Lisbon, where the journey of European science fiction will continue its upward trajectory.