This may interest someone:

EU Commission takes action over tax laws in four countries

The Associated Press
Published: Tuesday, January 17, 2006
BRUSSELS - The European Commission took action yesterday against tax laws in Spain, Portugal, Germany and Greece, claiming they discriminate against foreigners or otherwise infringe European Union single-market rules.

The EU's executive body took Spain to the EU's high court over income and capital gains taxes that it says discriminate against non-residents.

The Commission also referred Greece to the European Court of Justice over its vehicle registration taxes and sales taxes on car breakdown services.

EU taxation commissioner Laszlo Kovacs told Portugal to change taxes on bank interest that he said discouraged consumers from seeking mortgages from foreign providers.

Germany was told to bring its value-added taxes on the services of executors of wills into line with EU rules.

© The Ottawa Citizen 2006

Hoser wrote:This may interest someone:

EU Commission takes action over tax laws in four countries

The Associated Press
Published: Tuesday, January 17, 2006
BRUSSELS - The European Commission took action yesterday against tax laws in Spain, Portugal, Germany and Greece, claiming they discriminate against foreigners or otherwise infringe European Union single-market rules.

The EU's executive body took Spain to the EU's high court over income and capital gains taxes that it says discriminate against non-residents.

The Commission also referred Greece to the European Court of Justice over its vehicle registration taxes and sales taxes on car breakdown services.

EU taxation commissioner Laszlo Kovacs told Portugal to change taxes on bank interest that he said discouraged consumers from seeking mortgages from foreign providers.

Germany was told to bring its value-added taxes on the services of executors of wills into line with EU rules.

© The Ottawa Citizen 2006

Hi Hoser,
I was aware that this matter was being looked at, but was unaware of the above news release today......it is of course more than interesting and I shall spend tomorrow studying this very important issue.......which is for many who own property here in Portugal....very relevant. Thank you for drawing attention to it.
Kind Regards
Nightrider

Good..Maybe Portugal will be presured infollowingbEU Law...

Hmmm...but then why break a habit of a lifetime?

Let's hope so, but don't hold your breath.

quite...to cut a long story short thru a lot of letter writing to the eu I got a local law changed....it took five years mind...but then whats a few years!!!

anyone in the know of course .. I mean really in the know is aware of the real reason why Columbus sailed from Spain and discovered America....he was in Portugal as we all know and applied here as is the law for an "explorers licence" (modelo 1487.345.89.000) ...while waiting for it to be approved he went on his hols to Spain and they gave him the go-ahead straight away.....by the way if anyone bumps into Chris will you tell him that his explorers licence was approved in 1798 and cause he didnt pick it up there is a large fine to be paid

martin wrote:quite...to cut a long story short thru a lot of letter writing to the eu I got a local law changed....it took five years mind...but then whats a few years!!!

I am impressed Martin. Dare I ask what the law was? PM me if you prefer.