“Migrationshintergrund: Erlebnisse eines Europäers” by Jannis Sakellariou

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On Thursday 3 July 2025 from 17.00 to 18.15, the book “Migrationshintergrund: Erlebnisse eines Europäers” by former MEP Jannis Sakellariou will be presented post-mortem during the online Librorum event. The FMA, in collaboration with EPLO Germany, will honor the memory and legacy of Mr. Sakellariou, who passed away in 2019, through the presentation of his book at this special and heartfelt event.

Interpretation will be available in English, French and German and the event will be livestreamed via YouTube here.

Summary:
In a humorous and exciting way, Jannis Sakellariou, a native of Greece, talks about the hurdles he faced in becoming a German citizen, his difficulties in gaining a professional foothold in Germany in the 1960s, and, last but not least, his lifelong commitment to peace and democracy. He lost his Greek citizenship by fighting against the Athens military junta. In exile in Munich, he started his career in the SPD. Elected to the European Parliament in 1984, he was the foreign policy spokesperson for the Party of European Socialists from 1989 to 2004. In this role, he traveled to crisis areas, held negotiations with despots, and served as an election observer and mediator. However varied his experiences may be, they reflect his strong sense of justice and his social democratic convictions. Jannis Sakellariou was Greek, German, Bavarian and a wholehearted European.

Programme:
The event will begin with a welcome address by FMA Vice-President Monica Baldi, followed by an introduction by Georg Pfeifer, Head of Unit EPLO Germany in Berlin. FMA Honorary Secretary Teresa Riera Madurell will then present the book and its author. Former President of the European Parliament and the FMA, Enrique Barón Crespo and former Head of the EU Delegation to Tunisia, Laura Baeza, will offer their reflections. The Q&A session with the audience will be moderated by Monica Baldi, who will also deliver the closing remarks to conclude the event.