Hellenic Authors' Society

The Hellenic Authors' Society (Greek: Εταιρεία Συγγραφέων) is a Greek non-governmental professional association based in Athens, founded in 1981. It represents Greek writers, defends their professional rights and interests, and advocates for copyright protection. The Society is governed by a seven-member board elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term, consisting of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three members. Its core mission is to defend and promote freedom of expression and to act as a coordinating body for its members across Greece. It also supports the professional interests of Greek authors, represents them in dealings with the Greek government and institutions, negotiates agreements with the government, publishers, and their organizations, and provides information to members through a quarterly publication and other related materials. The Society fosters connections with other unions, cultural organizations, and institutions, organizes cultural events locally and internationally, cooperates with entities worldwide to achieve common goals, and promotes Greek literature abroad. Membership is open to authors who published their first literary work more than five years ago and wish to participate in the Society's work, in categories such as Ordinary Member, Corresponding Member, or Honorary Member. In 1998, the Society established March 21 as Poetry Day in Greece, which, after a proposal to UNESCO and its agreement in 1999, became World Poetry Day from 2000 onwards. The Society continues to be active, as evidenced by its 2026 General Assembly, which elected 76 new regular members, and its support for campaigns on copyright protection against artificial intelligence.

The Hellenic Authors' Society was founded in 1981 as a non-governmental organization with its seat in Athens. Its primary purpose is to represent Greek writers, defend their professional rights and interests, and protect their copyright. The Society is governed by a seven-member board elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term, comprising a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three members. Over the years, the Society has engaged in various activities to support authors. In 1998, it established March 21 as Poetry Day in Greece. Following a proposal to UNESCO and an agreement in 1999, this day was recognized globally as World Poetry Day starting in 2000. The Society provides information to its members through a quarterly publication and other related materials. It also organizes cultural events and cooperates with international entities to promote Greek literature abroad. Membership is open to authors who published their first literary work more than five years ago, in categories such as Ordinary Member, Corresponding Member, or Honorary Member. In May 2026, the Society held its annual General Assembly at the Epigraphic Museum, during which 76 new regular members were elected, along with several honorary and corresponding members. The Society has also been active in supporting campaigns for copyright protection, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence, as highlighted by its support for the OSDEL campaign.

• 2026

  Annual General Assembly held at the Epigraphic Museum; 76 new regular members elected.

• 2000

  World Poetry Day was first celebrated globally on March 21.

• 1999

  UNESCO agreed to the proposal, leading to World Poetry Day.

• 1998

  The Society established March 21 as Poetry Day in Greece.

• 1981

  Foundation of the Hellenic Authors' Society in Athens.

Professional association for Greek authors, advocating for their rights and copyright.

1. 1Εταιρεία Συγγραφέωνauthors.gr
2. 2Hellenic Authors' Society - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Associació d'Escriptors Grecs - Viquipèdiaca.wikipedia.org