CONFERENCE: “What Should a Progressive Constitution Consist Of?”

Wednesday, 29 April 2026 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. | D.I. Pournaras Library, 2nd Floor, Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA), 20 Akadimias St.

The Nikos Poulantzas Institute and the ENA Institute are co-organising a conference entitled “What Could Be the Substance of a Progressive Constitution?” — an initiative that seeks to place at the centre of public debate the broader discussion on constitutional revision and the challenges facing Greek democracy today.

The event takes place at a moment when the widespread erosion of institutions and democratic norms has already assumed the character of a profound constitutional and political challenge. The institutional reconstruction of the Greek state — including constitutional revision where necessary — is emerging as a major political priority. With the participation of academics, legal scholars and researchers, the conference aims to highlight the key issues that should shape a modern progressive constitutional, and more broadly institutional, framework.

Detailed Programme

Panel 1: Protecting Public Goods – The Commons Economy – Inequalities

5:00–6:15 p.m.

Chair: Nikos Papadimitriou

The first panel focuses on one of the most pressing issues of our time: the degradation of public goods — healthcare, education, public space, the environment, housing and drinking water — and their gradual transformation into objects of private profit-making, exacerbating social inequalities. Participants will address the following central question: what institutional, legislative or even constitutional measures could halt this trend?

Speakers:

• Georgia Kaplanoglou
• Dora Kotsaka
• Alexandros Sarivalasis
• Christoforos Skamnakis

Panel 2: Rule of Law, Democracy and Rights

6:20–7:45 p.m.

Chair: Dora Anagnostopoulou

The second panel opens the discussion on the major issues concerning the protection and strengthening of democracy and the rule of law. At the heart of the debate lies the question: which issues require strong institutional intervention, whether through legislation or through constitutional revision?

Speakers:

• Giannis Drosos
• Ifigeneia Kamtsidou
• Christos Rammos
• Giorgos Sotirelis

Panel 3: The Challenges of Our Time

8:00–9:00 p.m.

Chair: Giannis Albanis

The third and final panel turns to the defining challenges of our era: digital transformation and climate change. The central question concerns the institutional responses required in the face of the disruptions brought about by digitalisation and the climate crisis — issues that are increasingly emerging as critical fields of constitutional regulation.

Speakers:

• Nikos Erinakis
• Giorgos Mpallias
• Lina Papadopoulou
• Vasiliki Christou

This joint initiative reflects the shared commitment of both institutes to the deepening of democracy and the development of a comprehensive progressive approach to constitutional issues.