A commemorative event for the Exodus of Mesolongi, which in 2026 will be 200 years old, took place on Tuesday evening (19.11.2025) at the European Parliament.

The event, dedicated to one of the most defining and symbolic events of the Greek Revolution, highlighted the historical significance of the Exodus, its timeless impact on European thought, philhellenism, and the ideal of freedom.

The event, which also marked the beginning of the global celebrations, was attended by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The Mayor of the Holy City of Messolonghi, Spyros Diamantopoulos, offered her the flag of the city and a collector’s edition of the national anthem. “The Exodus of Messolonghi is inextricably linked to the Philhellenes, as it was the event that mobilized European leaders and European society as a whole to see the Greek Revolution with a new, deeper understanding,” he said.

The event was hosted by MEPs Eliza Vozemberg-Vryonidi (EPP), Yannis Maniatis (S&D), and Nikolas Farantouris (The Left), under the auspices of the Greek Foreign Ministry. Their messages underlined the timeless importance of the Exodus of Messolonghi as a symbol of freedom, self-sacrifice, and dignity. “Messolonghi is the only Greek city that bears the title of Holy City, a designation that highlights the fighting spirit, courage, daring, and self-sacrifice of the fighters of Messolonghi, while at the same time reflecting the European principles of freedom, justice, and self-determination of peoples,” said Ms. Wozemberg.

“The Exodus of Messolonghi does not only mark the decision of a people to live or die free, but it is an outstanding act that heralded a different idea for Europe, a Europe united, fighting for the rights of peoples and defending the ideals of justice and freedom,” Maniatis said. In a video message from Brazil, where he is representing the EU in the discussions on the environment, Mr Farantouris stressed that “the Exodus of Mesolonghi is not only a historical event. It is a timeless reminder that freedom is won through struggle and sacrifice and that people can stand up to any threat when they unite for a common cause.”

The European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas ,referred to the fact that the Exodus of Messolonghi is not just another page of Greek history, but an event that marked the Greek Revolution and European history.

The Permanent Representative of Greece to the EU, Ambassador Ioannis Vrailas, welcomed the event, stressing that “200 years ago, the unremitting resistance of the inhabitants of Messolonghi gave new impetus to the idea of freedom in Europe. The heroic Exodus remains an important and deeply moving event of Greece’s first wars of independence.”

Keynote speaker, Mark Mazauer, a professor of history at Columbia University in New York City, in his videotaped message, spoke about the heroic 1826 Exodus of Mesolonghi, which he said “is one of the clearest examples of collective courage, self-sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of freedom.”

The event was greeted with a video message by the President of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber, while MEPs, representatives of institutions, and guests from all over Europe attended the event, participating in the opening night of a series of actions that will honour the heroism, self-sacrifice, and the universal message of Mesolonghi.