MEPs take part in EFA party General Assembly

Several MEPs from the Euopean Free Alliance (EFA) Group in the European Parliament, including its President, Josep-Maria Terricabras from Catalunya and Jordi Sebastià from the Valencian Countries, will take part in the annual General Assembly of the European Free Alliance European Political Party in the coming days.

The event will be held in the historical Sorbian city of Budyšin/Bautzen, capital of Lužyca/Lausitz/Lusatia in Germany, from 16 to 18 April, an is organised with local EFA member Lužyska Alianca/Lausitzer Allianz.

This year's General Assembly, under the slogan "We were, we are, we will be" is dedicated to the ongoing struggle of the Sorbian people to preserve and promote their language and their distinct cultural identity.

It will also focus on environmental sustainability, and the influence locally of lignite mining which has forced thousands of people to move and continues to destroy the unique biosphere of the region.

Special focus will be given to the right of Sorbs to decide about their own future, with the demand for the establishment of a regional Assembly for Lusatia receiving more and more support every day. EFA MEP Jill Evans from Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales will take part in a discussion about establishing a Sorbian regional parliament.

EFA's political foundation Centre Maurits Coppieters (CMC) as well as EFA Youth (EFAy) will also organise their General Assemblies at the same dates. CMC will focus on the future of Regional and Minority Languages while EFAy will present ideas for Shaping Tomorrow's Europe.