In addition to events with renowned artists, Passau places special emphasis on the participation of outstanding young talents. The festival's openness to new ideas is demonstrated not least by the various debut performances, which in past years have included commissioned works from areas of music and theatre. Dr. Pankraz Freiherr von Freyberg has served as Artistic Director of the festival since 1995.

A Europe of peace and freedom – the Europäische Wochen festival is dedicated to this idea. The festival was founded in 1952 by American army officers in cooperation with the City of Passau, to establish the vision of a new Europe in post-WWII Germany: cultural and political issues were equally important. The goal was to give artists, particularly those from Central and Eastern Europe, a platform for their art.

Passau's location lends itself to including the entire cross-border region in its festival. Besides Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic also contribute to the festival. The programme is many-faceted: opera and theatre performances, orchestra and choir concerts, recitals, readings, films, exhibitions, talks and an annual discussion forum all offer a wide cultural spectrum. The festival's high standards are amplified by the beauty of the event locations, at the region's churches, monasteries, fortresses and castles.