Annual meeting of the IFLA Europe Regional Division Committee (ERDC)
The annual meeting of the IFLA Europe Regional Division Committee (ERDC), held in Athens on 24–25 September 2026, highlighted the vital role of libraries in access to knowledge, research and the digital age. The University of Piraeus hosted the second day of the meeting, bringing together representatives of European and national library organisations.
The meeting provided a platform for strengthening cooperation and developing common positions on the challenges posed by digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence and developments in copyright legislation.
The IFLA Europe Regional Division Committee forms part of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and represents the interests of libraries and information professionals across 60 countries in the European region. Through its activities, the Committee promotes professional cooperation, knowledge exchange and institutional advocacy, while encouraging libraries to participate actively in shaping policies on access to knowledge and information.
The University of Piraeus Library organised the meeting in cooperation with the Association of Greek Librarians and Information Scientists (EEBEP) and the Cyprus Association of Librarians and Information Scientists (KEBEP). The University of Nicosia Library and the University of Nicosia, Athens, collaborated in hosting the first day's proceedings.
The first day focused on the Knowledge Rights 21 (KR21) initiative and its efforts to strengthen the role of libraries in the 21st century. Workshops and discussions explored copyright, access to knowledge, institutional advocacy and the importance of involving libraries in public policymaking. Participants also examined the Let Libraries Be Libraries initiative, which highlights the need to enable libraries to fulfil their mission effectively in an increasingly complex digital environment.
On the second day, the University of Piraeus hosted the symposium “Advocacy for Libraries in Europe: Unifying the Field”, which focused on strengthening collective European representation and promoting coordinated action across the library sector.
The first thematic session examined IFLA Europe's strategic priorities through 2027, opportunities for joint European advocacy and the importance of active library participation in information policy development. Speakers included Nick Boxem, Chair of the ERDC; Spaska Tarantova, Executive Director of the Global Libraries – Bulgaria Foundation; Stephen Wyber, IFLA Director of Policy and Advocacy and member of the KR21 Management Committee; and Andrew Cranfield, Director of EBLIDA. Anthi Katsirikou, President of the Association of Greek Librarians and Information Scientists and Head of the University of Piraeus Library, PhD, MSc, moderated the discussion.
The second thematic session addressed national advocacy initiatives and campaigns, the role of research libraries and European approaches to out-of-commerce works. Participants included Maarten Zeinstra, Giorgos Glossiotis, Giannis Tsakonas, President of LIBER; Maria Aslanidi, Aris Bazmadelis and Panagiotis Themistokleous, who shared experiences and initiatives from across Europe, Greece and Cyprus. Mina Charalambous, Director of the University of Nicosia Library (UNIC) and member of the ERDC, moderated the session.
The meeting also featured welcome addresses by Professor Dionysios Polemis, Vice-Rector for Academic, Administrative and Student Affairs at the University of Piraeus; Giorgos Kalofonos, President of the General Council of Libraries of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports; and Dr Chrysa Nikolaou, Director General of the National Library of Greece.
A central conclusion of the discussions was that libraries now play a role extending far beyond the management and provision of information resources. They contribute significantly to research, education, equitable access to knowledge and the development of Europe's digital future. Effective advocacy requires closer cooperation, joint initiatives and a stronger presence in European policymaking processes.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, participants enjoyed a guided tour of the Acropolis, courtesy of the Association of Greek Librarians and Information Scientists.
By hosting the meeting, the University of Piraeus helped strengthen connections between the Greek academic and library communities and European professional networks. The event also highlighted the importance of their active participation in the ongoing European dialogue on the policies, technological developments and challenges shaping the future of libraries.
