France Fined Over Fishing

[Elton]

Apologies if this has already been posted:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4674885.stm

[Newt]

Well Heidi Ho, all righty then, and maybe this will get their attention.

[Guest jay_con]

Poor old French.

 

Do I sense a new willingness to enforce policy on behalf of the Eu? Is it anything to do with Mr Borge

being in charge rather than Fischler?

[Leon Roskilly]

See http://www.anglers-net.co.uk/sacn/latest/i...ex.php?view=339

 

 

Tight Lines - leon

[Guest NickInTheNorth]

only problem is that as far as I know France has never yet paid a fine imposed by the EU. Hope I'm wrong.

[Norm B]

NickInTheNorth:

only problem is that as far as I know France has never yet paid a fine imposed by the EU. Hope I'm wrong.

:cool: I'm sorry to say that I believe you are correct. The fines tend to be symbolic only, as they are rarely, if ever, paid by anyone. The french are regularly fined for breaking the shooting of songbirds act, as are many mediterranean countries. Big fines but never paid. Looks good in the press though. I also understand that the UK doesn't chase the fines imposed on commercial fishermen either, they could legally impound the boats until the fine is paid but they don't, then it becomes a game to get the fine paid because the boat is sold on or transferred to another company owned by the same people. You try doing that with a parking ticket or speeding fine, the courts will move heaven and earth to get it. :mad:

[maidstonemike]

So what's the point then? Does this set a legal precident? Can we all refuse to pay fines on the grounds that France refuses to pay and gets away with it? Has anyone mounted a legal challenge in the European courts against France for failing to pay?

Why the hell should they get away with not paying? The French have always been a law unto themselves. Blocking ports, blocking roads, etc against the European agreements of free trade and the movement of goods.

The only good thing to come out of france is their wine! Their cars are rubbish.

 

[ 13. July 2005, 08:25 AM: Message edited by: Manofkent ]

[Elton]

I don't rate their wine.

[maidstonemike]

Oh I don't know Elton, spent some time in St Marlo, and had some lovely red wine !

[A Norfolk Boy]

We never did get any money from the port blockades.

 

BSE? Beef ban? France's ban was deemed illegal and fined about £1/3 billion. It was not paid as they were let off because ..... they lifted the ban ..... which was illegal ??!!*8@'!?