A delegation of 8 European United Left/Nordic Green Left MEPs is attending the European Social Forum (ESF) in Istanbul this week (1-4 July). Eva Britt Svensson (Sweden), Gabi Zimmer (Germany), Søren Søndergaard (Denmark), Ilda Figueiredo (Portugal), Jürgen Klute (Germany), Marisa Matias (Portugal), Rui Tavares (Portugal)and Cornelia Ernst (Germany) are the MEPs on the delegation.

The ESF brings together organisations, movements, networks and individuals engaged in building a more sustainable, democratic and equitable society. In the midst of the financial crisis, the sixth European Social Forum's main theme is challenging the austerity responses to the crisis under the slogan "Make them pay for their crisis! Another Europe is necessary".

The GUE/NGL is organising two workshops. The first focuses on the European year for combating poverty and will be held on Thursday. The second will take place on Friday on Political action for global solidarity. See the ESF page on www.guengl.eu for further details and updates.

The delegation will also take part in a demonstration on Saturday through Istanbul city centre.

For further information contact:

David Lundy 0032485505812