Press Release: The European Parliament Honours Marietta Giannakou by Naming a Chamber after Her in Strasbourg
PRESS RELEASE
Athens, 30 July 2026
The European Parliament Honours Marietta Giannakou by Naming a Chamber after Her in Strasbourg
The successful completion of a long-standing and systematic initiative undertaken by the Union of European Federalists Greece (UEF Greece) marks a moment of great honour and special recognition for our country. At its meeting of 6 July 2026, the Bureau of the European Parliament formally approved the proposal to name Room S1.5 in the WEISS Building in Strasbourg in honour of the late Marietta Giannakou, former Member of the European Parliament and Minister.
Official confirmation of the decision was communicated in a letter from the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on 23 July 2026. In her letter, President Metsola expressed her sincere appreciation for the initiative and for the commitment to preserving the memory and legacy of the late Greek stateswoman.
This decision constitutes a fitting tribute to an outstanding Greek and European political leader who served with integrity, vision, consistency and unwavering dedication to the values of democracy, cooperation and European integration.
The initiative to name the chamber in honour of Marietta Giannakou was launched by the Union of European Federalists Greece (UEF Greece) and received broad cross-party support from across the Greek political spectrum. Particularly instrumental was the institutional support provided by the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, through his letter of support dated 30 September 2025, as well as the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, who consistently and actively supported UEF Greece's proposal.
We warmly thank the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, for recognising Marietta Giannakou's contribution to the European ideal. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, all Greek political parties, and the Greek Members of the European Parliament who collectively contributed to the successful outcome of this initiative.
The broad support that this initiative received—including the active participation of the Greek Members of the European Parliament in the Spinelli Group—demonstrates the cross-party commitment of Greece's political forces to the vision of a deeper and more integrated European Union.
Statement by Daphne Gogou, President of UEF Greece
"UEF Greece feels deeply proud of the successful completion of this initiative. Marietta Giannakou consistently supported federalist initiatives from the very establishment of our organisation, actively participating in events and activities aimed at advancing European integration, particularly in the fields of defence and security. She firmly believed in the pivotal role of women in Europe, as she emphasised in her address on International Women's Day in March 2021. Her legacy in support of a more democratic, federal and stronger Europe will continue to inspire future generations. It now has a permanent physical presence at the very heart of European democracy—the European Parliament in Strasbourg."
Contact & Coordination
Union of European Federalists Greece (UEF Greece)
1 Komninon Street
Athens, Greece
Email: info@uef-greece.gr
Website: uef-greece.gr
Communications Officer
Marovita Nikolaidou