Greece will not 'borrow' its own treasures, Mitsotakis says

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki, has firmly rejected the notion of 'borrowing' national treasures, specifically referencing the Parthenon Sculptures. The statement came during a significant diplomatic event marking the exchange of historic relics between Greece and Bulgaria, emphasizing that cultural heritage cannot be treated as spoils of war or mere objects of legal dispute.

Mitsotakis underscored that the Parthenon Sculptures are not lifeless items but integral parts of a living cultural landscape. He asserted that his government will not accept arrangements implying foreign ownership of Greek artifacts, calling instead for a restoration based on truth, reason, and morality. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, present at the ceremony, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transition from past conflicts to a strategic partnership defined by mutual respect and cooperation.

The event centered on the return of remains identified as Tsar Samuel, a pivotal ruler of the First Bulgarian Empire, to his homeland. These remains, discovered in 1965 at the Basilica of Saint Achilleios in Prespa, had been housed in Thessaloniki for decades. In a reciprocal gesture, Greece received 48 ecclesiastical artifacts that were removed by Bulgarian troops from northern Greek monasteries during the First World War in 1917.

This exchange marks the successful implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed by the culture ministers of both nations. The 48 returned items, originating from the Holy Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa and other sites, will be exhibited in Thessaloniki until November 2026 before being returned to their original locations. This diplomatic milestone reflects a broader trend of resolving historical grievances through bilateral cultural diplomacy.

Looking ahead, the resolution of such complex historical claims serves as a model for regional stability. Experts suggest that by prioritizing the integrity of monuments over technical legalities, Greece is setting a precedent for future repatriation efforts. The collaboration between Athens and Sofia demonstrates that historical reconciliation is possible when both sides move beyond the shadows of the past to foster a shared future of security and prosperity.