STOCKHOLM/BARCELONA – The organiser of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) on Friday condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and said there would be no Russian pavilion at the telecoms industry’s biggest annual gathering.
“In light of this emerging situation and considering the tragic loss of life, MWC seems immaterial under the circumstances,” organiser GSMA said in a statement to Reuters.
The event will go on as planned from Feb. 28 to March 3 in the Spanish city of Barcelona, with expectations of about 50,000 people attending the show, making it one of the biggest in-person events since the start of the pandemic.
“Build-up began a week ago and is advancing at good pace. We are expecting to see an edition that will almost look like a pre-pandemic event,” said Constantí Serrallonga, general manager of Fira de Barcelona, the event’s venue.
The Ukraine invasion has not led to any significant hotel cancellations in Barcelona related to MWC with the exception of some representatives from Eastern European countries, tourism website Hosteltur reported.
European Union leaders on Thursday agreed to impose new economic sanctions on Russia, joining the United States and Britain in trying to punish Russia and its allies.
“The GSMA follows all government sanctions and policies resulting from this situation… Security for the event is constantly reviewed and adjusted as information emerges,” a GSMA spokesperson said in a statement.
