# EPP Women Autumn Academy held in Athens

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/epp-women-political-empowerment-academy-in-athens
> Updated: 2026-09-21T14:06:40.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Athens hosted the EPP Women Autumn Academy from September 17 to 19, centered on the theme ‘Leveraging the Power of Women.’ Proposed by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and organized by MP Maria Syrengela, the event focused on increasing female participation in politics and the economy.

The academy served as a platform for the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) to discuss gender equality as a driver for economic growth and a response to European challenges. High-level participants included EPP Women President Mairéad McGuinness, with messages from EPP President Manfred Weber and Secretary General Dolors Montserrat. Thematic sessions, such as ‘A Prosperous Europe: Leveraging the Power of Women & the Greek Approach,’ featured Greek Deputy Ministers Anna Efthymiou and Elena Rapti alongside EPP Women Vice President Sari Rautio.

During the forum, Syrengela emphasized that women’s empowerment is critical to the economy, social cohesion, democracy, and Europe’s ability to face modern challenges. Discussions addressed a broad range of issues, including economic competitiveness, labor market prospects, security and defense, digital transition, food security, and demographic concerns. Additionally, Vice President Kostis Hatzidakis addressed the assembly, highlighting the necessity of utilizing Europe’s human potential to address contemporary crises.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: EPP Women Autumn Academy held in Athens to discuss European challenges

The EPP Women Autumn Academy was held in Athens, focusing on women's empowerment and its impact on European democracy, economy, and security.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/epp-women-autumn-academy-held-in-athens-to-discuss-european-challenges

### 2026-09-16: Athens hosts EPP Women Autumn Academy on political empowerment

The EPP Women Autumn Academy is being held in Athens from September 17–19, focusing on empowering women in European politics and the economy through high-level strategic discussions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/athens-hosts-epp-women-autumn-academy-on-political-empowerment

### 2026-09-10: PES Women holds Southern Europe Regional Meeting in Greece

PES Women held a Southern Europe Regional Meeting at the Hellenic Parliament to discuss gender equality, unpaid labor, and women's political participation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pes-women-holds-southern-europe-regional-meeting-in-greece

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Cite as: EPP Women Autumn Academy held in Athens. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/epp-women-political-empowerment-academy-in-athens