As you know our Association strives to bring you the most up to date news and reports we can access. This report is dated July 6th 2004 and has just been issued for general consumption. There are many Expats in Spain, particularly those living within the Valencian Province, who have been subjected to the most horrific, barbaric and stressful treatment imaginable - often initiated by totally corrupt Town Hall officials and unscrupulous developers.
Yes there are tabulated instances, within this OFFICIAL report, to fully justify this statement. They were ALL at the "honey pot" it appears. That said we have no reason to believe that similar corruption does not exist in the many other strata's of the Spanish Government. The lesson they should all learn from these findings, is that now Spain are part of the E. U., such blatant exploitation of its populous will not be tolerated. Our only regret is that the taking of Court action against the "offenders" identified in the report is not recommended. If you have been subjected to the rigors of this dreadful Act then read the report in full.
There is now real hope that you will receive realistic compensation. The report recommends that the EU seriously questions certain fundings available to Spain if this proposal is not implemented. We suspect enough of a threat to ensure it will happen. If you are one of the more fortunate ones, who have not been so affected, it still makes very interesting reading and prepares you to better to face any such eventuality in the future. Being part of the European Community has its responsibilities. The United Kingdom would also do well to head the report's findings as they regularly abuse their powers as regards Expats - maybe the tide will turn against their contemptuous abuse.
The E. U. is often, quite rightly, criticised for being inept and failing miserably to look after the rights of its populous etc. This is a very good example of the European Parliament really looking after the interests of its citizens and should be commended. Well done to David Lowe and his Committee.