Patriots for Europe Launch the Athens Declaration in the 2025 Study Days in Greece
Athens 24/05/2025 - Patriots for Europe has officially launched the Athens Declaration on Freedom of Speech and Democratic Values, a resounding reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to national sovereignty, democratic freedoms, and the fight against censorship and ideological suppression.
This milestone was unveiled during the Patriots for Europe Study Days held in Athens from 22 to 24 April 2025, a high-level political gathering focused on defending Europe's borders, democracy, and civil liberties in the face of growing threats from cancel-culture and institutional overreach.
Presided over by Jordan Bardella, President of Patriots for Europe, along with First Vice President Kinga Gál, and hosted by Afroditi Latinopoulou, MEP and President of the Greek political party Voice of Reason, the Study Days featured panels, cultural events, and the formal adoption of the Declaration.
In the words of the Declaration, delivered in the historic birthplace of democracy:
"We stand as the defenders of national sovereignty, cultural identity rooted in our Christian heritage and democratic freedoms… The future of Europe does not lie in further centralization, but in a renaissance of freedom and patriotism".
The Declaration strongly denounces the EU's centralizing tendencies and defends the right of nations to maintain their borders, identity, and freedom of speech:
"Freedom of speech is the lifeblood of democracy… Citizens must retain their right to express their convictions freely without fear of censorship, legal reprisal or punishment".
The Patriots for Europe Group calls out against the manipulation of democracy by political activist groups (so called NGOs) masquerading as civil society. Member States’ sovereignty must not be undermined by foreign-funded ideological campaigns. The future of our nations belongs to the people—and to their elected representatives alone. We demand full transparency, accountability, and the protection of our democratic traditions.
During the event, attendees took part in panels on migration, freedom of speech, and democratic values, alongside a commemorative session on the Pontic Greek genocide, reflecting a broader commitment to historical truth and cultural preservation. The program
also included cultural visits to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, reinforcing the symbolic and historical depth of the location.
As the European Union faces increasing challenges, the message from Athens is clear: Europe must return to its roots of liberty, national pride, and democratic accountability.
“We underline our unwavering commitment to forge a Europe of proud and independent Nation States, bound by mutual respect, shared heritage and an unbreakable commitment to liberty.” — Athens Declaration.
Together, we advance — for freedom, for our nations, for Europe.