THE FAILURE of the Cypriot government to comply with its obligations under the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) was the subject of a complaint raised with the European Union by Denis O’Hare of the Cyprus Property Action Group.
In its reply, the European Commission assured Mr O’Hare that:
“Our Unit has recently sent a request for information to the Cypriot authorities via the so-called EU-pilot under the abovementioned file number (CHAP(2011)3252) to investigate the matter. In the letter to the Cypriot authorities, we have requested explanations as to the actions carried out at national level to address the reported practices and ensure an appropriate protection of European consumers.
“The Cypriot authorities have until January 2012 to submit a reply. Further action will depend on this reply”.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, MEP Daniel Hannan has raised a question in the European Parliament:
to the Commission
Rule 117
Daniel Hannan (ECR)
Subject: Justice for property buyers in Cyprus
Tens of thousands of property buyers in Cyprus have developer mortgages on their homes thanks to the corrupt actions of property developers, banks and lawyers. The Government of Cyprus is complicit in these crimes owing to its failure to publicise and enforce the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD), as per official complaint CHAP(2011)3252.
Unless the Commission punishes the Cypriot Government for this and offers redress to the victims, is it not also complicit in these crimes?