Moving out of EU to free myself from Economic Slavery

Dear Earthlings,

The purpose of this campaign is to help me move outside of EU jurisdiction, so I can have a fresh start in life.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Ever since early 2000s, in many Central Eastern European (CEE) and South Eastern European (SEE) countries (former countries of Eastern Europe and countries that arose from former Yugoslavia), banks that used to be owned by the state were sold to private banks from Western Europe. From 2003-2008, these newly owned banks placed on these markets bank loans tied to the Swiss Franc. Meaning, the value of the loan was not in local currency, but in Swiss Francs, even though people paid them in local currency.

The monthly rate of the bank loan was different every month - depending on that month's currency exchange rate between the Swiss Franc and the local currency. We were told, it's better to take the bank loan tied to the Swiss Franc than to the Euro, as Euro is a new currency, it's value is still uncertain, while the Swiss Franc is stable, less likely to fluctuate. And therein was the hoax. The Swiss Franc at one point went up 150%, to stabilize itself after a few months at 80% higher than initially. The banks' top management knew there's going to be a sudden high jump in the value of the Swiss Franc, and they wanted to capitalize this with naive customers in countries where consumer protections were either non-existent or poor - former Eastern bloc countries and countries arisen from former Yugoslavia.

In my country, Croatia, at the time, there were no consumer protection laws, nor personal bankruptcy laws. Today, there is a personal bankruptcy law, but only for some utilities, under certain qualifying conditions, and if the amount is less than 2600 €. For all other purposes and amounts, the debt amount keeps accumulating indefinitely. You cannot declare personal bankruptcy, and get out of it.

In fact, in Croatia you get blocked - a term legally used. If you are an employee, everything above 400 € would be automatically taken away, regardless of the amount. If you were a freelancer, then 100% of your income was taken away. And that would happen without your consent, without even your knowledge. All of a sudden, you cannot access your money, and the money is gone from your bank account. Only when you ask the bank what happened, they tell you that the National Financial Agency has put a block on you. In Croatia poverty threshold is said to be 500 €.

Unfortunately, as some other people found out the hard way, moving out of Croatia into another EU country, is not the solution, as even if we work and reside elsewhere, the debt slaverish laws of Croatia still follow us. The only way out of this situation is to either renounce Croatian citizenship and take another - which takes time, or to move out of EU jurisdiction completely. I'm opting for the second option.

One wonders if there's some weird intent to destroy tax payers in certain European countries. I don't know how else to explain this. This is happening not only in Croatia, but in other countries as well. Some of them had smarter governments that declared all such bank loans illegal, and forced the banks to return the value of all bank loans to the original amount it was on the date of signature in local currency. Unfortunately, not the Croatian government.

PERSONAL SITUATION

When I lost my job in 2008, I couldn't pay any longer the monthly rates of the home bank loan that effectively tripled. The Raiffeisen Bank auctioned my apartment for 1/3 of its value of 65,000 €, and the remainder of the value with accumulating interest, was and is still considered a debt. After 15 years, this amount accumulated to 140,000 € (160,000 $). It's impossible for me to pay this, as I'm blocked financially until I pay it all. Meaning, no bank account access, no right to have money or other valuables, no right to have a home or car, no right to get a personal loan, or business loans/grants to start a business (even businesses that have any form of incentives are not allowed to do any contractual work with me). Not even social welfare benefits. Absolutely nothing! And then you have to live, earn money, and continuously pay the ever-increasing debt! How?!

I've tried everything I could for 15 years to fix my life in Croatia. Unfortunately, I just got deeper into debt, and on top of everything, developed bone cancer. Fortunately, after five painful years, the cancer is gone, and now I would really like to start my life anew. I feel there is still a lot to live for, and much to do.

USAGE OF FUNDS

I kindly ask for support to relocate (4000 €) and rent a home for six months (6000 €) until my business kicks off. My mother is 100% disabled and recently broke her hip. So relocation is not simply just for me as a room would suffice. Care must be taken for her as she also has no social welfare rights nor a right for home (though obligated by state in our constitution).

I'm a knife-maker with innovative designs and advanced heat treatment techniques. The rest of the money will enable me to register and set up a business at the new location outside of EU, open up both a business and personal bank account finally, and buy the initial amount of raw materials and additional tools.

I would be grateful for any support. Even the smallest amount is most welcome. You have my heart's gratitude.

With gratitude,

Joe Bušić