The joint declaration “Welcoming cities: acting in solidarity with all refugees” urges the EU and member states to address the arrival of millions of refugees from Ukraine, the largest volume of refugees recorded in Europe since WWII, with the following points:

• Urgent requirement for better funding to strengthen local social services which were already under pressure, and to coordinate the response from the civil society in the welcome of refugees.
• Involvement of cities in state and EU responses for the reception of refugees. Cities want to step up their contributions by providing knowledge and practical experience in reception and facilitating the exchange of information and know-how.
• In addition, cities call for non-discriminatory and egalitarian access in terms of the rights and protection of all refugees in Europe, regardless of their origin or identity, the colour of their skin, their gender, sexual orientation or religion.

During the second half of March, the Executive Board of the cities organisation, which Barcelona is part of, met with the Mayor of Kyiv to coordinate support for Ukrainian cities and make it more effective.

Social innovation in care policies also on the agenda

The Eurocities Social Affairs Forum is on in Barcelona from 11 to 13 May, bringing together over 150 representatives from cities all over Europe, including councillors and the heads of municipal social services.

Besides the reception of refugees, the forum will also address matters such as care and social innovation policies, in a context where the eruption of Covid-19 has meant increased pressure on social and healthcare protection systems all around the continent.