Crisis affecting the marble sector in Vinalopó Mitjà

29.4.2015

Question for written answer E-006820-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marina Albiol Guzmán (GUE/NGL)

The unemployment rate in the district of Vinalopó Mitjà is rising constantly, and dozens of shops, workshops and small marble manufacturing businesses are closing every week. At the same time, there are more lorries and containers than ever on the roads, and quarrying activity has been stepped up. This is hastening the depletion of a common asset from which a small number of multinational corporations are profiting, taking advantage of a policy that promotes relocation rather than complying with Parliament’s resolution 2013/2006 on reindustrialisation.

Local jobs linked to marble manufacturing in the district’s factories and workshops need to be restored, preventing the sector’s relocation and restricting exports of unprocessed stone. Local marble represents a common asset, and the wealth derived from it should help improve the quality of life in Vinalopó’s municipalities.

What action has the Commission taken and what steps will it take in the future with the aim of preventing job losses in Vinalopó Mitjà and putting a stop to relocation in the marble sector?