MEDIA
RELEASE (from Brussels)
FROM
MICHAEL CASHMAN MEP
"END
THE ABUSES"
Michael
Cashman is "delighted" to hear that the European Commission has just
published a new decision declaring that it remains unsatisfied
that a new law (the LUV law) in the Valencia region of Spain fails
to comply with European law. As First Vice Chair of the Petition's
committee Michael Cashman has been leading the European
Parliament's charge against the Spanish region where thousands of
residents, including many Brits, have seen their dreams turn into
nightmares.
"A law
in the region is being abused and people are being exploited"
explains Michael, who headed a European Parliament mission to the
region to investigate in May 2005. "Essentially, an untransparent
and complicated law is being exploited by unscrupulous businesses
and officials in Valencia resulting in people having to pay fines or
even losing their land and homes" continued Michael.
"We in
the European Parliament have been vigorously defending the rights of
citizens of all nationalities who have been affected by these
abuses. I am delighted that after careful consideration and analysis
of the new law adopted in Valencia - a law specifically to address
the 'land grab' problems - the European Commission agrees with the
European Parliament that breaches of EC law are still taking place".
The
right to own property is a basic human right which many people in
Valencia are being unfairly deprived of. The Spanish national and
regional governments must respect its commitments under European and
international law.
"I
remain fully committed to seeing that justice is done for
the resident's of the Valencia region and that the law is amended so
that these abuses end once and for all". "The European Commission
can ultimately force Spain to amend its law through a case before
the European Court of Justice (ECJ). "We'll support the Commission
every step of the way" said Michael resolutely.
For further comment please contact Michael Cashman on 0044 797 336
2811
NOTE
FOR EDITORS:
In
December 2005 the European Parliament adopted a report on the fact
finding mission to Valencia which took place in May 2005. This
report made several recommendations to the Valencian government
including how it could amend its law to respect EC law.
In
reaction to the Parliament's and Commission's concerns of breach of
EC law, the Valencian government adopted a new law (LUV law) in
January 2006.
In a
decision published this week, the European Commission confirms that
this new law also breaches EC law. Spain risks being taken to Court
by the European Commission if its laws are found to breach EC law.
The European Parliament will support the Commission should it decide
to take action against Spain before the ECJ.