One big step towards restarting dialogue between Catalonia and Spain, the first meeting between Quim Torra and Pedro Sánchez, now has a date: July 9. The announcement was made as the Spanish government dismissed calls from Catalonia for the Spanish king to also make a gesture towards pro-independence leaders. Three Catalan presidents urged Spain's king to promote dialogue and negotiation, and to heal wounds after his controversial speech last October. This is when they say he did not denounce police violence against innocent citizens. Meanwhile, the preparations for the Mediterranean Games are well underway for the event beginning in two days, with the major sports event looking set to also become a stage for politics.