The University of Piraeus held its traditional commemorative ceremony on Monday, October 26, 2026, in the University's Conference Hall, marking the National Anniversary of October 28, 1940, and honoring the Greek people's struggle for freedom and national independence.
The keynote address was delivered by Markos Karavias, Assistant Professor in the Department of International and European Studies, on the topic “The Collapse of the Interwar Collective Security System: Aspects of the Greek Experience.”
In his address, Professor Karavias examined the history of the League of Nations, the first international organization dedicated to collective security, established in 1920 following World War I in response to the failure of the traditional balance-of-power system to preserve peace. He highlighted the institutional contradictions and lack of political will that prevented the organization from containing the aggression of revisionist powers during the interwar period. Drawing on significant historical events, including the Italian attack on Corfu in 1923, the Greek-Bulgarian crisis of 1925, and Italy's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, he demonstrated the selective enforcement of international rules and the consequences of appeasement policies. He also examined Greek foreign policy during this period, focusing on efforts to safeguard national independence through international cooperation and bilateral diplomacy.
Connecting these historical experiences with contemporary geopolitical challenges, he emphasized that ollective security cannot rely solely on international institutions and agreements but also requires political will, tangible solidarity, effective diplomacy, and credible deterrence. As he pointed out, the anniversary of October 28 serves not only as a day of national remembrance and pride but also as an opportunity for historical reflection and a reminder of the importance of unity, freedom, and national dignity.
In his welcoming address, the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Kyriazis Dimosthenis, thanked the members of the academic community and invited guests for attending the commemorative ceremony, as well as Assistant Professor Markos Karavias for his valuable contribution to the occasion. He placed particular emphasis on the importance of historical memory, honor, and national pride, as well as the message of unity embodied in Greece's historic “Ohi” (“No”) of October 28, 1940. He stressed that these values remain timeless and that unity is essential to addressing contemporary challenges and safeguarding freedom, dignity, and national independence.
His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus, members of the university community, and students attended the ceremony, which paid tribute to historical memory and highlighted the enduring significance of the National Anniversary of October 28, 1940.