Three associations representing victims of last October’s devastating floods in Valencia travelled to Brussels on Tuesday for meetings with key figures in the European institutions, including the EU Commission president.
The storms and ‘Dana’ floods at the end of October 2024 claimed 232 lives in Spain, with 224 victims in the Valencia region alone. Since then, there has been widespread anger in Valencia at both the regional and national governments for their perceived mismanagement before and after the floods, with at least five major protests calling for the resignation of the Valencia regional president.
In Brussels, the victims’ associations were able to share their stories and on-going struggles during four separate meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Vice-President Teresa Ribera, (who was formerly Spain’s ecological transition minister), European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and a cross-party delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
The visiting associations included ‘Asociación Víctimas Mortales Dana 29-0’, ‘Associació de Víctimes de la Dana 29 d’Octubre de 2024’, and the ‘Asociación Damnificados de la Dana Horta Sud Valencia’.
The first group focuses specifically on those who lost their lives in the disaster and the continuing impact on their families.
‘Our beloved have not died from an illness, or in an accident. They died because of incompetence, because no one knew how to do their job, and even worse, because [the people in charge] deny climate change,’ stated Rosa María Álvarez Gil, president of the association.
Von der Leyen welcomed the group warmly, extending the conversation beyond the allotted time.
The European Commission president had previously visited Valencia during the European People’s Party Congress held there weeks ago. Although a meeting with the victims was requested at that time, it was postponed and ultimately rescheduled to take place in Brussels.
Following the discussions, von der Leyen took to X (formerly Twitter) to say the conversation would help guide the EU’s future response efforts.
To support Spain in the aftermath of the storm, the EU has already advanced €100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF). These funds are intended for the repair of key infrastructure like water, energy, healthcare, education, telecommunications systems, as well as cultural heritage restoration and clean-up operations.
Additionally, the European Commission is still reviewing documents submitted by the Spanish government that detail further expenditures eligible under the EUSF – with Madrid estimating the total at over €4 billion. The final figure for EU financial aid is yet to be confirmed. ALSO READ: Sánchez announces a further €3.8bn in flood aid as anger at leaders grows.
Prior to their meetings with von der Leyen and Metsola, the victims’ associations were welcomed by approximately 15 MEPs from various groups, including the Socialists and Democrats, Renew Europe, the Greens/EFA, and The Left.
Representatives of the associations laid blame on Valencia’s right-wing regional administration, holding it responsible for the storm’s deadly consequences and for neglecting the victims’ appeals.
In early March, tens of thousands of people gathered in Valencia to demand the resignation of regional leader Carlos Mazón of the right-wing People’s Party (PP) over his handling of the devastating floods. It was the fifth major protest against Mazón since the disaster. The wave of public outrage began in November when 130,000 people took to the streets of Valencia to express their discontent. ALSO READ: Over 130,000 march in Valencia to protest handling of deadly floods.
‘We, the families of the victims, are not provided any psychological support to help us overcome this trauma. We don’t have therapists, and we don’t have any compensation for the deceased, to help covering all the resources we so badly need,’ said Carmina Gil.
She pointed out that while compensation was offered for items such as vehicles and household goods, and even tourism vouchers for those affected, there was no assistance provided to the families of those who died.
In an open letter to the EU president, the three associations accused Mazón of negligence, demanding Von der Leyen publicly condemn the Valencia regional president and call for his resignation.
Click here for all our reports related to the Valencia Floods.
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Seis meses y medio después de que la DANA arrasase con las vidas de sus familiares y amigos, la Asociación de damnificados de la Horta Sud de Valencia se han sentido por fin escuchadas 🙏#LaMiradaCrítica14M, ya en mitele📺▶ https://t.co/MWXu1QQpxg
— mitele (@miteleonline) May 14, 2025
Humbled to meet with associations of Valencia flood victims and their families.
I am grateful to them for having shared their stories.
The EU stands in solidarity, supporting recovery today and resilience for tomorrow.
This tragedy must guide our preparations for the future. pic.twitter.com/ec4uzEkXQ7
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 13, 2025
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