Kiel is open to the world, a city proud of its cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. Kiel’s citizens met the increased influx of refugees as from 2015 with a great amount of support and impressive commitment. At the end of 2018, Kiel declared itself a “safe haven” for refugees rescued at sea. The challenges posed by refugee policy can only be overcome with joint European responsibility and solidarity. We therefore look forward to the exchange with the other European partner communities in “Solidarity Cities”.