MEPs observe a minute of silence for the victims in the Glória elevator

Strasbourg, France, The European Parliament observed a minute of silence today in memory of the victims of the accident at the Glória elevator in Lisbon, also recalling the consequences of the fires in Portugal and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“Last Wednesday, we were shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic derailment of the Glória funicular elevator in Lisbon, which resulted in 16 deaths and 23 injuries. We send our condolences to the families suffering an unimaginable loss and wish strength to those who are in the process of recovery,” said the president of the European Assembly, Roberta Metsola, speaking at the opening of the plenary session in the French city of Strasbourg.
Before calling for a minute of silence, the official added that “this Parliament stands with Portugal and all of Europe in mourning.”
The Glória elevator in Lisbon derailed last Wednesday, causing 16 deaths and two dozen injuries, among Portuguese and foreigners of various nationalities.
Managed by Carris, the elevator connects the Restauradores to the Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara in the Bairro Alto, over a distance of about 265 meters and is very popular with tourists.
In her speech to open the European Parliament session, Metsola also recalled that “Europe is currently facing the worst wildfire season on record,” particularly in Portugal.
“At least eight people have died and more than a million hectares of land have burned just this year. I know that all our thoughts are with those whose lives have been turned upside down forever by these horrific events, particularly in Portugal and Spain, where much of this devastation has occurred,” the official added. (09/08/25)