Von der Leyen to Meet Dana Victims

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, confirmed on Sunday that she will meet with representatives of the Dana victims' associations. The meeting is scheduled for May 13 in Brussels, specifically organised to hear their testimonies and discuss their proposals.

This was outlined in a letter sent this week by her chief of staff, Bjoern Seibert, to the 29th October Victims Association. In it, Von der Leyen acknowledges "the immense pain and tragedy" suffered by those affected. She also regrets not being able to meet them during her visit to Valencia for the European People's Party (EPP) Congress. The letter states her aim is to provide them with a platform "in the most meaningful way possible".

"Your voices deserve to be heard," the letter asserts, inviting the associations to travel to Brussels for a "deep and constructive" meeting on May 13. The logistical details will be coordinated directly with Peter Van Kemseke, a senior advisor in the President's office.

Although Von der Leyen will be in Valencia this week for the EPP Congress, her team has emphasised that her attendance is solely for a party event. Institutional commitments will be reserved for a later date.

The decision to set a specific date in Brussels for the meeting has been met with cautious satisfaction by the victims. The associations have been demanding to be heard for months following the tragedy of October 29, 2024.

At the EPP Congress in Valencia, the leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, aims to showcase his "influence" and "Spanishise" the EPP, surrounded by more than a dozen European leaders and officials. The President of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, will host and deliver a welcome address at the opening.

Although a Political Assembly of the party is scheduled for Monday, the conclave will officially begin on Tuesday, April 29, marking six months since the dana that resulted in 228 deaths and significant material damage.

In fact, on April 28, the seventh protest against the Consell's management has been called, once again under the slogan 'Mazón resignation'.