The Greek language in Europe: education, thought and culture

2026-02-03T17:30:00+00:00

2026-02-03T19:00:00+00:00

https://www.expert-europe.eu//medias/image/thumbnail_699310758697b786f457e8.png

EPP GroupASP 3E2, European ParliamentBrussels BelgiumMEP EVENTThe Greek language in Europe: education, thought and cultureFirst-ever celebration of the International Day of the Greek Language in the European Parliament📅 Date:Tuesday, 3 February 2026🕐 Time:18:30-20:00📍 Location:ASP 3E2, European ParliamentHosted byEleonora MELETI Greece  MEP Coordinator for Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) EPP Group Nea Demokratia COORD FEMM  CULT EMPL D-ZA Co-organised with: Ambassador Ioannis VRAILAS, Permanent Representative of Greece to the European UnionAbout this eventJoin us for a special cultural event celebrating the International Day of the Greek Language at the European Parliament. This historic occasion brings together distinguished speakers from education, culture, and international institutions to honor the Greek language's profound contribution to European thought, culture, and education.Programme18:30⭐ Opening remarksSofia Zacharaki, Minister for Education, Religious Affairs and SportGeorgios Koumoutsakos, Permanent Delegate of Greece to UNESCOFollowingPresentationsAndreas Fountoulakis, President of FIEC (Fédération internationale des associations d'études classiques)Steven Hunt, Associate Teaching Professor in Classics Education at the University of CambridgeEugenia Manolidou, Musician, Director of "Elliniki Agogi" – School of Ancient GreekEvelien Bracke, Visiting scholar, Ghent UniversitySpeakersSpecial guestSofia ZACHARAKIMinisterEducation, Religious Affairs and Sport iSofia ZACHARAKIShe's a Greek politician serving as Minister of Education and Religious Affairs in the Second Cabinet of Kyriakos Mitsotakis.Elected Member of the Hellenic Parliament for East Attica with Nea Demokratia in June 2023, she previously held roles as Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs (2023), Deputy Minister of Tourism for Tourism Education (2021–2023), and Deputy Minister of Education for primary/secondary education (2019–2021).She served as Spokesperson (2019) and Deputy Spokesperson (2016–2019) of Nea Demokratia, and advised on EU affairs (2012–2014).Holding a BA in English Philology, an MA in Comparative Pedagogy from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and specialization from the University of London's Institute of Education, she is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.×Special guestGeorgios KOUMOUTSAKOSPermanent DelegateGreece to UNESCO iGeorgios KOUMOUTSAKOSGreek diplomat and politician who has served as Greece's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris since December 2023.A Member of the Hellenic Parliament for Athens North with the Nea Demokratia party, he has held several key positions, including Alternate Minister for Migration Policy and Shadow Foreign Minister.Formerly a MEP (2009–2014) with the EPP/Nea Demokratia, he was honored as MEP of the Year for Transport in 2013.A career diplomat, he previously represented Greece in the EU and the WEU and served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.He holds degrees in Political Science, Diplomacy, Defense, and International Politics, and speaks English and French fluently.×Andreas FOUNTOULAKISPresident of FIECFédération internationale des associations d'études classiquesiAndreas FOUNTOULAKISPresident of the International Federation of Classical Studies (FIEC), promoting classical education and research worldwide.×Steven HUNTAssociate Teaching ProfessorClassics Education, University of Cambridge iSteven HUNTAssociate Teaching Professor in Classics Education at the University of Cambridge, specializing in ancient Greek language and pedagogy.×Eugenia MANOLIDOUMusician & Director"Elliniki Agogi" – School of Ancient Greek iEugenia MANOLIDOUMusician and Director of "Elliniki Agogi", a school dedicated to teaching and preserving the Ancient Greek language and culture.×Evelien BRACKEVisiting scholarGhent University iEvelien BRACKEShe completed her PhD at NUI Maynooth (Ireland) on the representations of Medea and Circe in ancient Greek poetry. She subsequently worked as lecturer in Classics at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and senior lecturer in Classics at Swansea University (UK).She is currently Language Lector of Ancient Greek Literature in the Greek Section at Ghent University, where she also serves as Research Coordinator for the Novel Echoes project. In addition, she coordinates the Ancient Greeks - Young Heroes schools outreach project, through which students teach Greek at local primary schools, alongside other public engagement activities.Her current research focuses on inclusivity in the field of Classics, with particular emphasis on pedagogy and gender.×Important – This event is by invitation, and only registered participants will be admitted. Due to capacity constraints, all attendees must register, including those already holding a European Parliament access badge.

https://www.expert-europe.eu/en/event/the-greek-language-in-europe-education-thought-and-culture/2026/02/03/368