MEPs demand protection for property-owners in Spain

1.04.28pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 24th Nov 2005

The European Parliament's petitions committee has adopted a critical report demanding an end to the "land-grab" law (also known as "LRAU") of the Valencia region in Spain, which has caused huge grief and loss to many British and other European owners.

The report notes the pledge by the Valencian authorities to revise the law, which has only come about because of MEPs' investigation.

Baroness Sarah Ludford, MEP for London and Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman participated in the vote. She said:

"This report justifies the hard work that victimised owners put into pursuing their rights at European level. At last the Valencian regional government is called to account in Brussels, after the failure of the Spanish government and courts to do so."

"MEPs are rightly insisting on an end to the bullying and corrupt practices which, under the guise of town planning, have stolen people's properties and destroyed the environment."

The report calls for a moratorium on "integrated urbanisation plans" - the root of the problem - until the new legislation comes into effect. It demands the creation of compensation agencies for people affected by the LRAU law and help with potential legal action to obtain justice. It wants the European Commission to consider adopting safeguards to assist EU citizens purchasing property outside their home country.

Sarah Ludford added:

"The Valencian authorities need not think they can now relax. MEPs will continue to monitor this situation until it is truly resolved."