MEPs condemn Spain for disastrous unsustainable massive development
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By m.p - Jun 21, 2007 - 10:34 PM
A meeting of the European Parliament said the Valencia Region and other areas of the Mediterranean coast were of particular concern, where the so-called Land Grab law has been enforced

The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution which severely condemns massive urbanisation projects in some areas of Spain which they say bear no relation to the real requirements of the towns and villages affected, are environmentally unsustainable and have a ‘disastrous impact’ on the area’s cultural and historical identity. The Valencia region and other parts of the Mediterranean coast were of particular concern.

The resolution on the results of the latest fact-finding mission to Andalucía, Valencia and Madrid considers that ‘the obligation to cede legitimately acquired private property without due process and proper compensation,’ together with arbitrary costs for what is described as ‘often unnecessary infrastructure development’ is a violation of fundamental rights under the European Convention. The resolution was passed with 327 votes in favour, 222 against and 35 abstentions.

The MEPs called on Spain and its regional governments, particularly the government of the Valencia region, to recognise the individual’s legitimate right to legally acquired property.

They called for more precise legislation on the application of the Spanish Constitution’s public interest article in order to prevent property rights being abused by local and regional authorities.

They said special administrative commissions should be set up which would arbitrate in development disputes and would involve local ombudsmen. They said the commissions should be accessible free of charge to those directly affected by urban development projects, including those which may be illegal.

The Labour MEP, Michael Cashman, told the House that the latest fact-finding mission came under ‘shameful attack from the Partido Popular,’ and that PP politicians said the ‘petitions in Valencia have been imagined.’

He said the situation will now be resolved before the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg or in the Court of Justice, and that it will be to the ‘shame of the Partido Popular in Spain.’

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