09/01/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 9 January, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, visited Martigny, Switzerland, where a ceremony was held to pay tribute to the 40 victims of the fire in Crans-Montana on 31 December. This day of national mourning was attended by 37 foreign delegations, including France, Italy and other countries affected by the tragedy. A minute’s silence was observed at 2pm. In a press release issued the same morning, Hadja Lahbib reiterated her support for Switzerland, welcoming the human and material reinforcements provided by the EU (see EUROPE 13779/16). “In the face of such loss, words are never enough”, the Commissioner said, expressing her sadness and adding that “what matters is presence: honouring the victims, showing respect, and standing together in quiet solidarity”. (JM)