Tomorrow mayors and representatives of 19 cities that are supporting refugees will meet at the Solidacities event in the European Parliament to showcase their support for refugees and discuss their experiences of putting solidarity into action.

The event will bring together a total of 160 guests from 19 cities in 13 European countries, including 12 mayors.

It will provide a space for exchange among those actively supporting refugees through initiatives such as search and rescue, reception centres, housing, schools, language classes and employment.

Among the speakers will be Nabil-Iosif Morant, the Syrian-born mayor of Andravida/Kilini in Greece, who turned a holiday resort that closed amidst the economic crisis into homes for over 300 refugees.

Guests will also include representatives of the UNHCHR, the European Commission, the European Ombudswoman's office, and over 30 representatives of international and European NGOs, as well as activists from grassroots organisations supporting refugees.

This event is co-organised by 12 GUE/NGL MEPs and will also be attended by MEPs from the S&D, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.

Media quotes from MEPs available: http://adobe.ly/2e1fQf4 (multiple languages)

MEPs co-organising this event:

Miguel URBAN, Spain

Malin BJORK, Sweden

Cornelia ERNST, Germany

Barbara SPINELLI, Italy

Stelios KOULOGLOU, Greece

Marina ALBIOL, Spain

Iosu JUARISTI, Spain

Stefan ECK, Germany

Lola SANCHEZ-CALDENTEY, Spain

Marie-Christine VERGIAT, France

Marisa MATIAS, Portugal

Tania GONZALEZ, Spain

GUE/NGL Press Contact:

Nikki Sullings  +32 22 83 27 60 / +32 483 03 55 75

Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20