British citizens fearful of losing their EU freedom of movement rights once the UK leaves the EU are hoping they can persuade the European Commission to introduce EU passports.
The Commission will be forced to consider a proposal for EU passports if a million EU citizens from across the bloc put their names to an EU citizens’ initiative backing the proposal.
“Whatever the result of the campaign, I hope – at the very least – that it will prove to all European governments how strongly we value our EU citizenship, and the lengths to which we are prepared to go to hold onto those rights and freedoms,” said Sue Wilson, one of the campaigners who has registered the EU passports’ initiative.
The Campaigners say the Commission should issue EU passports to British citizens who want to retain the European identity and right to live and work across borders after Britain leaves the bloc.
European Union citizens’ initiatives were introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2012 to allow EU citizens to help shape the union’s policies through direct democracy. Any initiative signed by one million EU citizens is considered by the European Commission, as long as signatories come from at least a quarter of member states, subject to a quota.
Click here to find out more about the campaign.
Article published 15th February 2017