From October 14 to 17, 2026, a delegation from the University of Prešov (UNIPO) visited Athens as part of the Erasmus+ program. The itinerary included meetings with representatives of academic and religious institutions, as well as a visit to the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Athens.

A key point on the agenda was a visit to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), where the delegation was welcomed by Prof. Sophia Papaioannou, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations, and External Cooperation, along with Alexandra Sakallaria, Head of the International Relations Department. NKUA ranks among the most prominent academic and research institutions in Greece. NKUA’s international position and scientific achievements provide UNIPO with opportunities to develop academic partnerships, joint activities, and exciting opportunities for both students and academic staff.

The meeting focused on opportunities for developing cooperation between both universities, particularly in the areas of research and education. The discussion centered on areas of overlapping expertise among the departments and on possibilities for establishing particular joint activities.

The delegation also met at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Athens with Ambassador H.E. Marcela Hanusová and the Consul of the Embassy in Athens.

The discussion focused on the embassy’s potential support for developing cooperation between the University of Prešov and Greek partners in the academic field, as well as in the areas of culture and tourism. The meeting also provided an opportunity to present the university’s activities and its interest in developing relations with Greek institutions.

The program also included meetings and discussions at the Greek Catholic Apostolic Exarchate in Greece. The Greek Catholic Faculty of Theology has a long-standing collaboration with the Exarchate. 

The discussions therefore focused on opportunities for further development of this cooperation and on activities carried out by the Exarchate in which students from the faculty could also participate.  The meetings confirmed the importance of building and maintaining partnerships with Greek universities, representative institutions and church authorities.

They provided an opportunity to present the activities of the individual organizations, identify areas of mutual interest, and explore possibilities for further cooperation. Developing relationships with partners in Greece can contribute to the internationalization of the University of Prešov, expand opportunities for students and staff, and strengthen academic, cultural, and social connections between Slovakia and Greece.