Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-003144/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dolors Montserrat (PPE)
A Guardia Civil report has contradicted the version of events given by Teresa Ribera during her parliamentary hearing prior to being appointed to her current role as Commissioner and third Vice-President. Ribera, then a Spanish Minister, stated that the Júcar River Basin Authority (Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar) – which fell under her purview as Minister – had issued all the necessary alerts during the tragic high-altitude isolated depression (DANA) phenomenon that killed 228 people and was particularly devastating in the Poyo ravine.
However, the Guardia Civil report reveals that the Júcar River Basin Authority’s warning system failed completely during the crucial hours. This administrative and technical silence prevented civil protection measures from being activated in a timely fashion and the emergency from being managed properly. The fact that there were no warnings demonstrates negligence and a lack of control.
Moreover, this information was deliberately covered up during Ribera’s parliamentary hearing, where her appointment was prioritised over clarifying the facts.
- 1.Does the Commission consider that the cover-up and manipulation of information regarding such a serious emergency is detrimental to the trust and transparency necessary for its functions?
- 2.Will it seek an explanation from Ribera to verify whether information was covered up or manipulated?
Submitted: 30.7.2025