The European Commission has agreed to register a new European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) that calls for the introduction of an optional EU-themed passport cover.
“EU Stars On My Passport (STAR-PASS)” asks the Commission to enable EU countries to offer their citizens a new passport design featuring a blue background, and the EU’s circle of gold stars.
We do not yet know if the initiative will be put into action, but the EC has endorsed it.
However, for it to move forward, at least one million signatures from EU citizens are required over the next twelve months.
If the signature target is met, the Commission will be obliged to consider the request and still then publicly explain whether it intends to take action.
Should it pass, it would give EU citizens the option to choose an EU themed passport cover alongside their national one.
It is not a new passport and does not replace the national passport.
Asking what the point of spending money on this would be a fair question — but administrative costs should hopefully stay minimal, one hopes, though it remains to be seen.
Logistically speaking, not all EU passports are treated equally across the world.
European Initiatives give citizens the feeling of participating actively in democracy.
It will be interesting to see what this reflects about political mood: if citizens are delighted to be associated with the EU, or if they see it as a mere trading bloc.
Yeah. Also, not all EU passports are treated equally by 3rd party countries. Until (if) it becomes a true federation (or confederation), this simply cannot happen.
In fact, the idea may be a counter-bid to waning enthusiasm for the European Union in recent years, and the rise of sovereignist movements.
On Romania’s National Day, Donald Trump is fine and dandy with Nicușor Dan
