ISCP Endorses the Athens Declaration on the Ethical Mission of the European Academic Community
The International Society of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy (ISCP) is proud to announce its endorsement of the Athens Declaration on the Ethical Mission of the European Academic Community, adopted by the European Association of Professors Emeriti (EAPE) at its 4th Congress in Athens in June 2026.
The Declaration was formally endorsed by the ISCP Board of Directors on 28 June 2026, joining a growing number of academic societies and institutions across Europe in calling for the responsible integration of wisdom, ethical values, and human responsibility into the generation and application of knowledge.
About the EAPE
The European Association of Professors Emeriti (EAPE) is an Academy founded in 2017 to bring together Professors Emeriti and retired professors from universities across Europe.
The mission of EAPE is to maintain strong professional ties among its members, foster continued academic and interdisciplinary collaboration, and promote the concept of the "silver economy"—recognizing the invaluable human, intellectual, and societal contribution of knowledge, wisdom, and experience accumulated throughout a lifetime devoted to the university profession.
The EAPE logo, "Europa and the Bull," is inspired by the depiction on an ancient Greek calyx-krater (ca. 330–320 BC).
EAPE is a vibrant, multicultural professional association that regularly organizes webinars addressing broad issues of knowledge, ethics, and European culture, while also highlighting the continuing role of senior academics in Europe's intellectual, cultural, and social life. Over the years, EAPE has received the recognition and support of numerous distinguished European leaders, including Heads of State, government ministers, and eminent scholars.
In June 2026, during its 4th Congress, commemorating the Association's tenth anniversary, EAPE organized a major international debate entitled "Beyond Knowledge: Wisdom, Values and Ethics for Europe." Recognizing the growing risks associated with the inappropriate use of knowledge in contemporary society, the Congress adopted unanimously the EAPE Declaration, a common statement calling for the responsible integration of wisdom, ethical values, and human responsibility into the generation and application of knowledge. Since its adoption, the Declaration has been endorsed by an increasing number of academic societies and institutions across Europe.
Professor Emeritus G.Andrei Dan, MD, PhD, DrHC
EAPE – President Elect
ISCP – Past President
The Athens Declaration
EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSORS EMERITI
ATHENS DECLARATION ON THE ETHICAL MISSION OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
The motto of the three previous Congresses of the European Association of Professors Emeriti has been "The Capital of Knowledge," a concept in harmony with the desired role of Emeriti Professors as Mentors and Perpetuators of Knowledge. However, at a time of rapid technological advancement, facilitated and reinforced by artificial intelligence, the amount of acquired knowledge has become enormous. This essentially positive development conceals potential risks. In which direction will this knowledge be used? This is the crucial question to answer. Are decisions informed and guided by values (on a personal basis) and ethics (on a social basis)? This question, which has haunted scientists for many years, is by no means an intellectual exercise. It is realistic, threatening, and imminent. Will knowledge be used for the preservation of Peace or in the service of War? Will pseudo-knowledge be used to impose restrictions, or even the forced termination of academic freedom and autonomy?
We feel it is the obligation of the European Academic Community to provide clear answers to these and other questions pertaining to matters of Ethics.
Europe's academic tradition, shaped by the humanism of classical antiquity, by the revival of civilization achieved through the Enlightenment, and by its democratic commitment, has contributed decisively to the progress of humanity. It is time for Europe to take the lead again and resist aggression, the abolition of academic freedom, dehumanization, and other potentially catastrophic developments. Wisdom guided by values and ethics is our answer to these questions.
Given in Athens, 12th June 2026.
ISCP shares the Declaration's commitment to academic freedom, ethical responsibility, and the use of scientific knowledge in the service of humanity — values that underpin our own mission of advancing cardiovascular pharmacotherapy through education, research, and international collaboration worldwide.