On 1 March 2018, the Democratic Foundation of Chameria President Festim Lato, Mr. Ali Aliu and Mr. Jeroen Zandberg had a meeting with one of the main parliamentarians of the European Parliament, Mr. Ilhan Kyukchuk. He is the Vice-president of the European liberal party (ALDE) in the Parliament and a vocal advocate for human and minority rights inside and outside the EU.
The President of the Democratic Foundation of Chameria was invited to the European Parliament in order to inform Mr. Kyukchuk of the distressing situation of the Cham people. The discussion focussed on the discrimination and harassment of the Cham by the Greek authorities. The president explained how the Greek and Albanian government target the elderly Cham by hindering them to visit their places of birth. Furthermore, the president elaborated upon the historical injustice still being done to the Cham people and how the Democratic Foundation of Chameria is working towards a solution to have the rights and identity of the Cham recognised.
Mr. Ilhan Kyukchuk had not heard of the issues of the Cham before, but proved very interested in working together with other parliamentarians on finding solutions that would do justice to the Cham people. The Democratic Foundation of Chameria President Festim Lato is optimistic about working together with Mr. Kyukchuk on addressing the Cham issue in the Parliament and beyond.