Bilderberg FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Everything you want to know about the Bilderberg Group in one comprehensive resource. From the basics to detailed questions about meetings, members, and myths—find clear, factual answers here.
50+
Questions Answered
8
Topic Categories
71
Years of History Covered
Basics & Overview
Fundamental questions about what Bilderberg is and how it works.
What is the Bilderberg Group?
Die Bilderberg-Gruppe (also called the Bilderberg-Club or Bilderberg Meetings) is an annual, invitation-only conference that brings together approximately 130 influential leaders from politics, business, finance, technology, academia, and media. Founded in 1954, it facilitates private, off-the-record dialogue on pressing global issues under the Chatham House Rule.
Why is it called “Bilderberg”?
The name comes from the Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek, Netherlands, where the first conference was held May 29-31, 1954. The hotel still exists today and features a commemorative plaque. The name simply stuck and has been used to describe the annual gathering ever since.
What is the purpose of Bilderberg?
Bilderberg exists to foster informal dialogue on pressing global issues among Western leaders. It was originally created to strengthen transatlantic relations between Europe and North America during the Cold War. Today, it continues to provide a private forum where political leaders, business executives, academics, and journalists can discuss global challenges candidly, without the constraints of official positions or media scrutiny.
Was ist die Chatham-House-Regel?
The Chatham House Rule is a confidentiality protocol used at many diplomatic and policy forums worldwide. It states: “Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.” This means attendees can discuss themes from the meeting but cannot attribute statements to specific individuals, enabling frank dialogue impossible in public settings.
Does Bilderberg make decisions or policies?
No. Bilderberg takes no votes, issues no policy statements, publishes no communiqués, and reaches no official conclusions. It’s purely a forum for discussion—not a decision-making body. Participants attend in their personal capacity and are not bound by anything discussed at the meetings. The organization has no enforcement power over anyone or anything.
How is Bilderberg different from the World Economic Forum?
While both gather influential leaders, they differ significantly. Bilderberg is much smaller (~130 vs. thousands), entirely private with no media access, strictly invitation-only with no corporate sponsorship tiers, and issues no public statements. The WEF at Davos is a large public event with extensive media coverage, formal sessions, and published outcomes. Bilderberg focuses exclusively on off-the-record dialogue.
History & Origins
Questions about Bilderberg’s founding and history.
Who founded Bilderberg?
Bilderberg was founded by three key figures: Józef Retinger, a Polish diplomat who conceived the idea; Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, who hosted the first meeting and served as chairman until 1976; and David Rockefeller, the American banker who provided crucial U.S. support. They worked together to address growing anti-American sentiment in post-WWII Europe and strengthen transatlantic ties.
When and where was the first Bilderberg Meeting?
The first Bilderberg-Treffen was held May 29-31, 1954, at the Hotel de Bilderberg in Oosterbeek, Netherlands. Approximately 80 delegates from 11 European countries and the United States attended. The hotel was chosen by Prince Bernhard and gave the organization its lasting name.
Why was Bilderberg created?
Bilderberg was created in the early Cold War to address two main concerns: growing anti-American sentiment in Western Europe, and the need for closer cooperation between Europe and North America against the Soviet threat. The founders believed informal dialogue between influential figures could help bridge misunderstandings and strengthen the Western alliance.
How many Bilderberg Meetings have there been?
As of 2025, there have been 71 Bilderberg-Treffen. The conference has been held annually since 1954 with only three cancellations: 1976 (due to the Lockheed scandal involving Prince Bernhard), and 2020-2021 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The 2024 Madrid meeting marked the 70th anniversary.
Why was the 1976 meeting cancelled?
The 1976 meeting was cancelled due to the Lockheed bribery scandal, which involved Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands—the founding Chairman. He was found to have accepted bribes from the American aircraft manufacturer. The scandal forced his resignation from all public functions, including Bilderberg leadership. It was the only cancellation in Bilderberg’s history until COVID-19.
How has Bilderberg evolved since 1954?
While the core format remains unchanged, Bilderberg has evolved in several ways: topics have shifted from Cold War security to globalization, technology, and AI; tech leaders now attend regularly; transparency has increased with published participant lists since ~2010; security has intensified due to media and activist attention; and the participant pool has expanded beyond the original transatlantic focus to occasionally include Asian leaders.
Members & Participants
Questions about who attends Bilderberg and how they’re selected.
How are Bilderberg participants selected?
Die Lenkungsausschuss—approximately 30 members from Europe and North America—selects participants for each annual meeting. There is no application process; invitations are extended directly based on expertise relevant to the Themen der Tagesordnung, current global events, and the desire for diverse perspectives. Committee members propose candidates months in advance.
Can I apply to attend Bilderberg?
No. The Bilderberg-Gruppe is strictly invitation-only, and there is no public application process. The Lenkungsausschuss extends invitations at its sole discretion. The organization does not accept requests from individuals or organizations seeking to attend, regardless of their prominence or qualifications.
How many people attend each Bilderberg Meeting?
Each meeting brings together approximately 130 participants from around 20-25 countries. About two-thirds of attendees change from year to year to ensure fresh perspectives, while Lenkungsausschuss members and certain influential figures provide continuity. The first meeting in 1954 had about 80 delegates.
What types of people attend Bilderberg?
Bilderberg participants represent six broad categories: Government & Politics (~25%): prime ministers, cabinet members, EU commissioners; Business & Industry (~30%): Fortune 500 CEOs, multinational executives; Finance & Banking (~15%): central bankers, investment bank leaders; Technology (~12%): tech founders, AI researchers; Academia & Think Tanks (~10%): university presidents, policy experts; Media & Publishing (~8%): editors and publishers.
Have any US Presidents attended Bilderberg?
Several future US Presidents attended Bilderberg before taking office. Bill Clinton attended in 1991 as Governor of Arkansas—the year before his presidential election. Gerald Ford also attended before becoming President. Sitting US Presidents do not typically attend, but cabinet members, national security advisors, and other senior officials frequently participate.
Do participants pay to attend?
Bilderberg participants cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. There is no registration fee or membership dues. The conference itself is funded by private donations from supporters and foundations. Host countries typically provide security. This self-funded model ensures that invitations, not payments, determine attendance.
Where can I find Bilderberg participant lists?
Since ~2010, Bilderberg publishes official participant lists on its website after each conference. You can find these lists on the official Bilderberg site and in our Mitgliederdatenbank. We also provide lists for individual meetings like 2025 Stockholm and 2024 Madrid. Historical lists have been reconstructed from records and documents.
Meetings & Format
Questions about Bilderberg-Treffen, locations, and conference format.
When do Bilderberg Meetings take place?
Bilderberg-Treffen are held annually, typically in late May or early June. Each conference lasts approximately four days (usually Thursday through Sunday). The exact dates are announced only a few weeks before the meeting. The 2025 Stockholm meeting was held June 12-15.
How are meeting locations chosen?
Die Lenkungsausschuss selects Veranstaltungsorte based on: privacy and seclusion from media; ability to provide adequate security; appropriate conference facilities; and geographic rotation between Europe and North America. The US hosts approximately once every four years. Venues are typically luxury hotels that can be entirely secured for the duration.
What is the format of a Bilderberg Meeting?
Sitzungen combine plenary sessions (all participants together) with smaller working groups focused on specific topics. There are no formal presentations or speeches—discussion is informal and interactive. Sessions run throughout the day with breaks for meals, which also serve as networking opportunities. There are no recordings, transcripts, or press briefings.
Which countries have hosted Bilderberg the most?
The United States has hosted the most Bilderberg-Treffen with 15+ conferences. Germany has hosted 8, Switzerland 7, the United Kingdom 6, and Spain 5. Other frequent hosts include the Netherlands, France, Italy, Canada, Austria, Sweden, Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and Finland.
When and where is the next Bilderberg Meeting?
Bilderberg typically announces meeting dates and locations just a few weeks before the conference. Based on the established pattern, the 2026 meeting will likely be held in late May or early June, alternating back to a European or North American location. Follow our Nachrichtenbereich for announcements.
Agenda & Topics
Questions about what topics are discussed at Bilderberg.
Welche Themen werden bei Bilderberg diskutiert?
Die Bilderberg agenda typically includes 8-15 topics reflecting pressing global challenges. Recent themes include: Artificial Intelligence and its governance; European security and NATO; U.S.-China relations and great power competition; economic policy and inflation; energy transition and climate; Middle East developments; and technology disruption. Topics evolve based on current events but consistently focus on geopolitical and economic issues.
Who decides the agenda topics?
Die Lenkungsausschuss selects Themen der Tagesordnung several months before each meeting. Committee members propose subjects based on current events, emerging challenges, and areas where private dialogue could be valuable. Topics are deliberately broad to allow flexible conversation rather than scripted presentations. The final agenda balances European and American concerns.
Are Bilderberg agendas made public?
Yes, since approximately 2010. The organization now publishes official Themen der Tagesordnung on its website after each meeting. This transparency measure was significant—previously, topics were not officially confirmed. While the general themes are public, the specific content of discussions remains confidential under the Chatham House Rule.
Why has AI become a major Bilderberg topic?
Artificial Intelligence has dominated Bilderberg agendas in recent years because it represents exactly the kind of transformative challenge the forum was designed to address: a technology that crosses borders, affects all sectors, requires coordination between government and industry, and poses both opportunities and risks. The 2024 Madrid meeting featured AI executives from Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and Microsoft alongside political leaders discussing governance frameworks.
Lenkungsausschuss
Questions about Bilderberg’s governing body.
What is the Bilderberg Steering Committee?
Die Bilderberg Steering Committee is the governing body that runs the organization. Comprising approximately 30 members from Europe and North America, it determines discussion topics, selects participants, chooses Veranstaltungsorte, and manages the organization’s affairs throughout the year. Members serve in their personal capacity.
Who is the current Bilderberg Chairman?
Henri de Castries has served as Chairman since 2012. He is the former Chairman and CEO of AXA, the global insurance company. Under his leadership, Bilderberg has implemented significant transparency reforms, including the official website, publication of participant lists and Themen der Tagesordnung, and navigated the COVID-19 cancellations. He oversaw the 70th anniversary meeting in Madrid.
How many Chairmen has Bilderberg had?
Since 1954, Bilderberg has had only five Chairmen: Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (1954-1976, Founding Chairman); Lord Home (1977-1980, former UK Prime Minister); Walter Scheel/Lord Carrington (1981-1998); Étienne Davignon (1999-2011, former EU Commissioner); and Henri de Castries (2012-present). This continuity reflects the organization’s stable leadership.
How is Bilderberg funded?
Die Bilderberg-Gruppe is privately funded through donations from supporters and foundations. Participants cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. Host countries typically provide security. The Lenkungsausschuss Treasurer manages finances, ensuring the organization remains independent of government funding. There are no corporate sponsorship tiers or membership dues.
Transparency & Secrecy
Questions about what’s public and what remains private about Bilderberg.
What information does Bilderberg make public?
Since ~2010, Bilderberg publishes after each meeting: the complete participant list with names, titles, and countries; the Themen der Tagesordnung discussed; meeting dates and location; and a brief statement about the organization. The official website provides this information for recent conferences.
What remains confidential?
The specific content of discussions remains confidential under the Chatham House Rule. There are no transcripts, recordings, minutes, or official summaries of what was said. Who said what is never disclosed. Internal Lenkungsausschuss deliberations are private. The full Committee membership is not publicly disclosed. This confidentiality is considered essential to enabling frank dialogue.
Warum ist Bilderberg so geheimnisvoll?
Bilderberg argues that confidentiality is essential to its purpose. A sitting prime minister can discuss policy challenges, a CEO can admit industry concerns, and an academic can challenge conventional wisdom—none of which would be possible if their words were recorded or reported. Many diplomatic and policy forums use similar rules (like Chatham House itself). The secrecy enables the frank dialogue that defines Bilderberg’s value.
Why did Bilderberg become more transparent?
The transparency reforms around 2010 were a response to decades of criticism and conspiracy theories fueled by complete secrecy. Under Étienne Davignon and then Henri de Castries, the organization concluded that publishing basic information (who attends, what topics) wouldn’t harm the discussions while reducing unfounded speculation. The reforms have been credited with somewhat reducing conspiracy theories.
Myths & Misconceptions
Addressing common misconceptions and conspiracy theories about Bilderberg.
Does Bilderberg secretly control world governments?
No. Bilderberg takes no votes, issues no policy statements, and makes no binding decisions. Participants attend in their personal capacity and are not bound by anything discussed. The organization has no enforcement power over anyone. While influential people attend, there’s no evidence of coordinated control—and participants often disagree on major issues.
Is Bilderberg part of a “New World Order”?
This is a conspiracy theory with no credible evidence. Bilderberg is a discussion forum, not a governing body. It was created openly in 1954 to strengthen transatlantic relations during the Cold War—a well-documented historical purpose. The organization publishes participant lists and Themen der Tagesordnung, which a “secret society” would not do.
Do all Bilderberg attendees share the same ideology?
No. Participants represent diverse and often conflicting viewpoints—left and right, European and American perspectives, business and government priorities. The Lenkungsausschuss deliberately invites people who disagree to ensure robust debate. Past attendees have ranged from free-market conservatives to social democrats, tech optimists to skeptics.
Are Bilderberg members “lifelong” secret members?
No. There’s no formal “membership”—only annual invitations. About two-thirds of participants change each year. Most people attend once or a few times based on their relevance to current topics. Only the Lenkungsausschuss (~30 people) provides consistent participation, and even they eventually rotate out.
Why do conspiracy theories persist about Bilderberg?
Several factors fuel conspiracy theories: the combination of powerful people and private discussions invites speculation; decades of complete secrecy (before 2010) created an information vacuum; the lack of media access is unusual in the internet age; and the name “Bilderberg” itself sounds exotic and mysterious. The organization’s transparency reforms have reduced but not eliminated such theories.
Still Have Questions?
Couldn’t find the answer you’re looking for? Explore our detailed pages on specific topics, or reach out to us directly. We’re committed to providing accurate, factual information about the Bilderberg-Club.