Wednesday, October 18, 2006
news from Michael Cashman MEP
Labour Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands Region
13.10.06 For immediate release
COMMISSION BACKS CASHMAN’S FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR LAND GRAB VICTIMS IN VALENCIA
The European Commission announced last week (12th October) that it is proceeding with its action against Spain concerning violations of EU law in what has now become known as the infamous "land grab" law in the Valencian region.
The current land laws have been abused by developers and officials and have resulted in property owners paying huge costs or even losing their land and homes. Despite recent moves to modify the land laws, the Spanish authorities have failed to comply with European law.
Michael Cashman MEP, who is Vice-Chair of the Petition’s Committee, 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.
On learning of the Commission's “reasoned opinion”, Mr Cashman said:
"I'm delighted to hear the Commission are continuing their actions against Spain in what has become a long and painful fight for justice for many EU citizens of all nationalities who have been affected by this unjust and inhumane law.
“The regional and national governments in Spain have not convinced the European Parliament or the European Commission that their new land laws are any better than their old ones.
“Under EU public procurement law, which regulates the development of land, it is clear to me that Spain is breaching her obligations in Valencia and probably in other regions as well" continued Michael.
“This progress came about as a result of people power and shows that the EU can and does stand up for its citizens fundamental rights. I hope that the Spanish national government will take this legal and political opportunity to resolve the problems as soon as possible."
Spain now has 2 months to provide a satisfactory response to the Commission's justifiable concerns. If no such response if forthcoming, the Commission, supported by the European Parliament, can take Spain to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in order that citizens' fundamental rights to their homes are respected.
Michael added:
“I'd like to give praise to our courageous European citizens who have been so devastatingly affected by this law. It was they who initiated this action by exercising their democratic rights via the European Parliament's petitions process and I want to make sure that we give them our full and active support.”
I will be raising this, through the Petitions Committee, to ensure that this issue will be debated by the Parliament early next year. I hope that the resolve of all those affected by this unjust law in Spain will hold and that continued collaboration between the petitioners, the European Parliament and Commission will see justice done.”
ENDS//
For further comment contact Michael Cashman MEP on 0044 797 336 2811
Labour Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands Region
13.10.06 For immediate release
COMMISSION BACKS CASHMAN’S FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR LAND GRAB VICTIMS IN VALENCIA
The European Commission announced last week (12th October) that it is proceeding with its action against Spain concerning violations of EU law in what has now become known as the infamous "land grab" law in the Valencian region.
The current land laws have been abused by developers and officials and have resulted in property owners paying huge costs or even losing their land and homes. Despite recent moves to modify the land laws, the Spanish authorities have failed to comply with European law.
Michael Cashman MEP, who is Vice-Chair of the Petition’s Committee, 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.
On learning of the Commission's “reasoned opinion”, Mr Cashman said:
"I'm delighted to hear the Commission are continuing their actions against Spain in what has become a long and painful fight for justice for many EU citizens of all nationalities who have been affected by this unjust and inhumane law.
“The regional and national governments in Spain have not convinced the European Parliament or the European Commission that their new land laws are any better than their old ones.
“Under EU public procurement law, which regulates the development of land, it is clear to me that Spain is breaching her obligations in Valencia and probably in other regions as well" continued Michael.
“This progress came about as a result of people power and shows that the EU can and does stand up for its citizens fundamental rights. I hope that the Spanish national government will take this legal and political opportunity to resolve the problems as soon as possible."
Spain now has 2 months to provide a satisfactory response to the Commission's justifiable concerns. If no such response if forthcoming, the Commission, supported by the European Parliament, can take Spain to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in order that citizens' fundamental rights to their homes are respected.
Michael added:
“I'd like to give praise to our courageous European citizens who have been so devastatingly affected by this law. It was they who initiated this action by exercising their democratic rights via the European Parliament's petitions process and I want to make sure that we give them our full and active support.”
I will be raising this, through the Petitions Committee, to ensure that this issue will be debated by the Parliament early next year. I hope that the resolve of all those affected by this unjust law in Spain will hold and that continued collaboration between the petitioners, the European Parliament and Commission will see justice done.”
ENDS//
For further comment contact Michael Cashman MEP on 0044 797 336 2811
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