On the fiftieth anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece in 1974, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy convenes an international conference entitled “Global Crisis and Democratic Transition in Southern Europe: a Political History“.

The conference will examine Southern Europe’s transition to democracy in 1974-1977. Speakers will discuss issues concerning the three countries directly involved, Portugal, Greece and Spain: political actors, political parties, military structures, as well as the role of constitutions and economic modernisation (and Europeanisation) as springboards for the transition. It will also reassess the challenges facing democracy in Italy during this period, the role of the two superpowers, the US and the Soviet Union, and the influence of European states, including the small states of the European North, and the European Communities. Finally, developments in Yugoslavia and the wider Mediterranean region will be examined. The emphasis is, as the title emphasises, on political history. However, the event will have strong interdisciplinary characteristics, as it will bring together historians, political scientists, experts in international relations and constitutional scholars.

The conference will take place in Athens, in the Senate Hall of the Hellenic Parliament, on 13-14 December 2024. The working language will be English. The conference will be opened by the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas on Friday 13 December, at 16:30.

Entrance is free upon presentation of an ID card.