"Europe remembers Ugo Foscolo" - An event honouring the Greek-Italian poet at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, under the auspices of the Embassies of Greece and Italy in Belgium

An event dedicated to the Zakynthos-born Greek-Italian poet who became one of Italy's greatest literary figures was held at the Université Libre de Bruxelles on November 6, 2023. Titled "Europe remembers Ugo Foscolo", the event brought together Greek and Italian academics, from university institutions in Belgium and Greece, that shed light on the unique personality of Ugo Foscolo, his adventurous life -intertwined with the great political and social movements of his era -, and on his important literary heritage, a bridge between Greece and Italy, but also connecting the classic with the modern European culture.

In her address read during the event, the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni saluted the poet with "Greek roots and universal values", who, through his life and work became an "early incarnation of Europe".

In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of Greece to Belgium Dionyssios Kalamvrezos highlighted the patriotism and authenticity of Foscolian poetry and the poet's affection for  his native land, which permeates his work. The Ambassador of Italy Federica Favi referred to the poet's deep bond with Greece, noting that he was "Italian in language, but Greek in spirit".

The event was attended by the Permanent Representative of Greece to the EU Ambassador Ioannis Vrailas, representatives of the Greek Community of Brussels, students and academic staff of the hosting University and representatives of the Cultural Association of Zakynthos "Ugo Foscolo".  

The event was organized by the Embassies of Greece and Italy in Belgium, the Chaire de Littérature Italienne and the Lectorat de Grec Moderne of the Université Libre de Bruxelles,  the Cultural Association of Zakynthos "Ugo Foscolo", the Italian Cultural Institute of Brussels and the "Foundation of Professor Εlias Krispis and Dr. Anastasia Samara-Krispi for International Legal Studies", with the support of the Hellenic Community of Brussels, the Hellenic Circle of Brussels, the Brussels AHEPA, the Association of Greek Officials in International Organisations (SEYDO) and the Greek Union of European Federalists