Europeans disregard the scandal of Hochtief

Once again was confirmed that the much-vaunted European solidarity and support of the people, does not exist.

Europeans who they only know how to ask from Greece to do things, declare defiantly that they know nothing about the scandal of Hochtief in Greece and the 500 million it owes the German company in the Greek state from non- payment of VAT .

While rampant rumors support that the International Arbitration Court in London which exempted the company Hochtief from VAT for the airport Eleftherios Venizelos judged in a manner contrary to Community law, the commissioner Mr. Semeta replying to the MEP SYRIZA, P. Houndi, tries to avoid taking a stand.
The Greek MEP asked the Commission to consider whether it is consistent with Community law the decision of the International Court of Arbitration in London that the Greek state should erase the requirements of VAT amounting to approximately EUR 500 million to the company Hochtief.

As is known, in accordance with SYRIZA, the company "Athens International Airport SA" on 11/11/2010, appealed before the «London Court of International Arbitration» against the Greek State regarding denial, questioning the amount VAT which had been imposed by the tax authorities.

In his question the Greek MEP, citing press reports stressed that "the arbitral tribunal ruled on 02.27.2013 that under the contract signed by the company with the Greek state, apply "special status" and that the state has assumed obligation to repay the VAT to the company. The majority of judges though, had noted that this is contrary to Community law, especially the VAT Directive '.

Concluding his question Mr. Houndis, requested the Commission to determine whether the above decision of the arbitral tribunal complies with the VAT Directive.
In reply Mr. Semeta, noted inter alia that "The Commission does not have a copy of the arbitration award", and said he cannot decide if it is compatible with the VAT Directive without reading the arbitration award".

It is impressive that although the Commissioner notes that "Obviously, a Member State cannot be relieved via agreement or arbitration by the obligation of the applicable EU rules", he made no declaration in which it undertakes to seek that decision so as to determine whether there is a breach of Community law .
Mr. N. Houndis, returned to the issue asking the Commission to inform if they meanwhile sought the Court Ruling and if they had investigated whether there is a violation of the Community VAT legislation in this contract.

The image of the "united Europe" has now been curled. The austerity measures that impose the Europeans partners reinforce polarization and reveal the true face of EU. It is also significant that in the case of Greece, the attitude of the European Union through its institutions was tougher even than the IMF's.

The question is why the Greek government is pushing neither Hochtief nor the competent EU institutions, in order to take what is entitled?

Why this deafening silence? What does the Greek government fear and "buries" a scandal that can bring to the state coffers hundreds of thousands of Euros?