FMA Librorum "Migrationshintergrund: Erlebnisse eines Europäers" | 3 July 2025
FMA LIBRORUM 2025: Honouring former MEP Jannis Sakellariou and His Legacy Through Literature
The European Parliament Former Members Association (EP_FMA), in collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Germany, is honoured to present a special edition of LIBRORUM on 3rd July 2025, dedicated to the memory and work of the late Jannis Sakellariou, former Member of the European Parliament. The event will centre on the presentation of his autobiographical book: “MIGRATIONSHINTERGRUND: ERLEBNISSE EINES EUROPÄERS”.
This heartfelt tribute will bring together former colleagues, friends and European citizens to reflect on Sakellariou’s extraordinary life journey, political convictions and lasting legacy.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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 travelled 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. He offers a personal yet politically resonant narrative, an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the European ideal.
PROGRAMME
The event will open with remarks by Monica Baldi, Vice-President of the FMA, who will moderate the Q&A session and finally draw conclusions. She will be followed by Georg Pfeifer, Head of the EP Liaison Office in Germany, offering introductory reflections.
Teresa Riera Madurell, FMA Honorary Secretary, will present the book and its author.
Interventions from Enrique Barón Crespo, former President of the European Parliament and the FMA, and Laura Baeza, former Head of the EU Delegation to Tunisia and widow of Jannis Sakellariou.
Interpretation will be provided in English, French and German, and the event will be streamed online via Zoom (with previous registration) and via YouTube (without previous registration).
A LEGACY WORTH CELEBRATING
This edition will honour a life devoted to peace, justice and the European project. All are invited to attend this moving tribute and join the discussion about the values that unite us as Europeans.
ABOUT THE LIBRORUM INITIATIVE
Launched in 2022, Librorum is an FMA initiative that highlights books authored or edited by former Members of the European Parliament. It fosters intellectual exchange, democratic reflection and public engagement on European and global affairs.
ABOUT THE FMA
The Former Members Association of the European Parliament (FMA) is made up of over 750 members, from the 27 Member States plus the United Kingdom. Members voluntarily offer their experience and expertise to carry out the many activities of the association. With professionalism
and passion, the members are committed to strengthening the European and international network of former MPs, to building democracy and to making people understand the functioning and current
rules of the European institutions, especially those of the Parliament. Particularly appreciated are the interventions of the FMA members in seminars, conferences, in cooperation with universities and
schools, such as the well-respected educational program “EP to Campus”, in study visits and EU
Presidency.
PRESS CONTACT
Valerie Raskin, Events & Communication Assistant
Email: formermembers@europarl.europa.eu – Tel. +32 (0)2 284 07 03
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