European Parliament: 28 MEPs question status of Alexandra's Refugee Housing complex

A group of 28 Members of the European Parliament has formally questioned the European Commission regarding the Alexandra's Refugee Housing complex in Athens, citing "serious concerns about the observance of European legislation and the fundamental rights of residents." The MEPs, representing the Left, Green, and Socialist political groups, are demanding clarity on the complex's status and future.

Among the signatories are Kostas Arvanitis, head of the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance MEPs, and Nikos Papas, an MEP from PASOK. The initiative is also supported by five other MEPs, including SYRIZA-PS MEP Elena Kountoura. According to a statement from the SYRIZA-PS delegation, the MEPs highlight that the Attica Region is using ESPA funds to develop the complex, yet official documents describe it as "vacant."

This designation is contested as the complex is reportedly home to over 400 individuals, including more than 50 children, refugees, people with serious health issues, and other vulnerable groups. The MEPs are posing critical questions about the project's compliance with Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, the involvement of civil society and affected residents in decision-making, and the legality of using EU funds for a plan that could lead to displacement and the loss of existing social housing.

The MEPs specifically reference two hunger strikers from the community who are continuing their protest to defend the right to housing and the residents' right to remain in their homes. They urge the European Commission to intervene to prevent violations of fundamental rights and risks to life. This parliamentary initiative follows a visit by a delegation from The Left group to the Alexandra's complex and a recent protest outside the European Parliament in Brussels.

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The fight for Alexandra's Refugee Housing has reached Brussels, and we stand by the residents, both inside and outside the European Parliament.