I thought that "Europe" was about fairness?

Joined
16 May 2001
Messages
4,187
Visit site
I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

If so then how do the Greek authoritites justify charging twice what they charge greeks for visitors mooring fees to citizens of member states of the EU and twice that again to other nationals?

The spiv who takes the money in Gaios. Paxos tells me that it is Greek law (& he thought it a good scam too)

Now does anyone know how I can contact Peter Mandleson or Robert Kilroy-Silk?

Steve Cronin



<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

It'll almost definitely be a law which is conveniently upheld despite the changes of the past few years. Loads are still used, green cards for example are still around. These things tend to hang around until someone takes an issue to court, however few do, as that in itself takes an age and gets very expensive/frustrating.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

Are you proposing one set of European laws and taxes for all then?. Methinks RKS would support the Greeks in their independence in charging other nations extra. Mandy on the other hand would be a supporter of a common laws and taxes across Europe.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

No but I think that deliberate discrimination against other members of an economic community is hardly in accordance with the principles under which it was formed.

Steve Cronin

<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

Not the same laws and taxes for all, but national taxes and laws should apply equally to all within their jurisdiction. Seems to make sense doesn't it? The kind of behaviour described in original post is explicitly outlawed by European laws that preceeeds national laws. So the greeks can charge whatever they want in their marinas but they are not allowed to charge you extra on account of being British. (I think that behaviour is known as Xenophobia and should be treated by professionals.)

As stated earlier, plenty of less serious people knowingly do otherwise when they see fit until proven wrong in a court. Knowing that it is extremely difficult for foreigners to go to court on a small expense, some (most?) countries have a sort of ombudsman office only targetting national breaches of the treaties of the european union. Should contact them when you're back and do everyone else a favour.

IMHO
Per

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by PerL on 29/07/2004 12:03 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

Can't image why you think RKS would be worth contacting. His only agenda is pulling out of the EU, not bringing an individual government into line with the other 24 or gaining improvement.
I am sure Chris Patton and Neil Kinnock won't have a problem raising a stink before they demit office to Manders.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: Steve Cronin

Agree, but try setting up a business in Greece, as a Brit. Principles or no principles, laws or no laws, the Greeks will stop you, sometimes resorting to the ultimate action. On the other hand, if they get enough 'bung', suddenly you could be all right.
If only we Brits could be so chauvinistic, it might solve Blunkett's little illegal immigration problem.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

I think that it is quite simply illegal.

It contravenes the basic principle of the freedom of movement of goods and services.

John

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

This is easy to resolve....

Just dont go there. There are loads of other places to charter.

Pity cos I learned to sail around Paxos, its a nice place.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Charter Boats....

being of the greater part greek registered* are charged at the Greek rate regardless of who's the charterer.

My boat is permanently berthed in a greek marina which doesn't operate this discrimination (in fact they give a 30% discount to members of the Cruising Association or free credit on yearly rents to others. it's only the ports that operate in this illegal manner.

Steve Cronin

* this requirement to have all charter boats registered in greece was also the result of an illegal greek law. However this has now been force repealed by the EU.

<hr width=100% size=1>The above is, like any other post here, only a personal opinion
 
Re: What on Earth

Surely the purpose of the EU is to allow the French (and to a lesser extent the Germans) to be top dogs in Europe without the inconveneince of waiting for another Napoleon and the risk of the British producing a Wellington at about the same time.

<hr width=100% size=1>Two beers please, my friend is paying.
 
Re: [url]http://www.ukip.org/[/url] NM

Sure, getting out of the EU will make the Greek lower their charges on Brits.
Good thinking there.
Victor

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: What on Earth

I once worked with two local council officials. One council was twinned with a German town, the other with a French town.
Upon returning from a (frequent) trip one remarked to me that old Horst suggested that we forge a closer alliance with Germany to outvote the French.
Two weeks later the other colleauge returned from France and confided that old Pierre thought we should gang up against the Germans.
Regards Briani

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

I'm staggered that anyone can still be surprised that the European dream is not/does not work. The EU accounts have not be signed off for years due to corruption, but Mr blair still insists it's good for us to pour money in. EU laws apply here to us in the UK, but the other countries (rather sensibly) pick and choose what suits - this is nothing new. Its only because we have become weak and ultra PC that we are so stupid as to think everyone else will play by the rules. I think when discussing Euro rules with us, the hardest part for our continental cousins must be not to burst out loud laughing when we insist on taking it seriously.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://members.lycos.co.uk/boaty1965/index.htm
 
Re: I thought that "Europe" was about fairness?

You've been reading the Daily Mail! And taking it seriously. Silly boy! Give yourself a straight banana.

You can hardly blame the rest of Europe for our literalist legal system and incompetent civil servants. The Commission frequently complains about the silly and impractical way we implement Euro regs into British Law, but we still carry on doing it. Probably because we are run by lawyers who have a regard for the legal system not shared by much of the rest of the population.

The behaviour of the Greeks is no different to our behaviour toward the new EC entrants, where we introduced a "work permit " system. And its what you can expect when you carry a basically good idea - the EC - too far and allow both the undeveloped and in the case of Greece the arguably un - European countries to enter. We have something in common with the French and the Krauts and the Dutch. We have very little in common with the Greeks.

And as for corruption and waste. Do you really think that UK govt is any different? Really? Perhaps thats why our health service is so good !

<hr width=100% size=1>this post is a personal opinion, and you should not base your actions on it.
 
Re: I thought that \"Europe\" was about fairness?

Firstly, whats the Daily Mail? - They never mention in in the Telegraph.

No, I think there are major differences - our mess is due to the wish to preserve the status quo (see, if I was a Mail reader I'd think that was a reference to a pop group) by those in position to do so. I do think there are huge differences in the amount of corruption found on the continent and that found here - we are amateurs where root and branch corruption is concerned. Generaly, faults found here are just down to being crap - honest, but crap!

As I said - in fact I admire those countries for not being as weak as we have become and just doing what the hell they want. Even Jeremy Clarkson had to admit that about the French.

Maybe THAT is the element we should be taking on board.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://members.lycos.co.uk/boaty1965/index.htm
 
Yes the Greeks

always have seen themselves as above EC law and have already had two run-ins with the Commission both of which they've lost.

I'd contact Mario Monti - after all it's his part of ship - Mandleson hasn't got his feet under the table yet and Kilroy-Silk is just another flat-earther, but pink instead of blue.

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Top