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The British European Association
BRITISH EUROPEAN
Bulletin Campaigning for the Rights of Britons in Europe
ISSN 1604-5025 Issue No. 79 – June 2014
“BE together” – Forthcoming events:
Our annual summer picnic will take place on Sunday, July 20th.
Some of us will meet at Skodsborg Station
(Kystbanen) on the land side at 11 a.m. If you come by Kystbanen be sure to take the Nivå train as the Helsingør train does not stop at Skodsborg.
We will walk through the woods to Rådvad. It will take about 45 minutes.
Those preferring not to walk and coming by car or bicycle will meet us in Rådvad at 12 noon. We take
our own picnic lunches and drinks with us. We meet at the red gates near Rådvad Kro. The picnic tables are behind the buildings on the 'main' street. If the
weather is terrible you are welcome at Rundforbivej 48 A with your sandwiches and drinks at 12 noon.
St. Alban’s Church summer fete takes place on Saturday 23rd August from about 10 a.m. till 5 p.m.
K.U.K.S. Inter-national Exhibition of National Heraldry will be held from Friday the 24th October at 15.00 hrs.to Thursday the 6th November.
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Annual Dinner.
We held our annual dinner on 14. February at the Hong Fu Restaurant on Østerbrogade as is our custom. We enjoyed a wide variety of Chinese food and some very good company.
Dual citizenship
SUCCESS AT LAST!!!! After about 25 years of working to get representation by being able
to vote in National General Elections we seem to have achieved our goal. When the B.E.A.
started we were called ARBA (The Association for the Rights of Britons Abroad). Our main
aim was to be able to vote in British General Elections. This was very uphill work, as apart
from John Major
who was British Prime Minister about 25 years ago, we were more or less ignored and
forgotten by British politicians. Some years ago we decided to change our main focus and
lobby for dual citizenship in Denmark as the majority of us have lived here for most of our
lives and know more about the state of affairs here than in Britain; but we did not want to
give up our British nationality. Fortunately Danes living abroad found themselves in a
similar position and Danes Worldwide began to lobby for dual citizenship together with an
American group. This was a great help. At last Danish politicians began to take notice
especially as dual citizenship was allowed in the majority of the EU countries. This means
that the law with the necessary changes should be agreed upon in 2015.
Many British Nationals living in other European countries, especially France, continue to
lobby for the 15-year limit on being able to vote in British General Elections being removed.
Many of them lived and worked in Britain until they retired and they consider this limit
unfair and as a result are extremely active. We wish them luck.
In May Bent and I were invited by KUKS to their AGM which was held in the Masonic
buildings on Blegdamsvej. Count Ulrik of Rosenborg arranged this. We were given a very
interesting tour of these magnificent buildings, saw many portraits of past dignitaries
involved in Free Masonry some of whom were members of the Danish Royal family. One
room in particular has very fine acoustics and is often used for important musical events.
When we hold our AGM later this year we will have to decide on our future. Please come
with your ideas.
Thank you so much for your support over the years, and as a Scottish politician once said to
me "just don't go away!" - and we didn't, and it paid off!
Valerie Kristiansen.
Voting
There was an article Politiken on Thursday January 30 which reported that EU's Justice
Commissioner, Viviane Reding, had said in the EU Commission on January 29. that "The
right to vote is one of the fundamental political rights of citizenship. It is part of the very
fabric of democracy." In connection with this she also commented on the free movement of
The British European – page 3
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labour within the EU. In 2011 Viviane Reding sent letters to Denmark, Great Britain,
Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and Austria and asked them to repeal their laws concerning voting
rights. Margrethe Vestager says she is sure that the laws will be discussed when Denmark
gets a new Grundlov. The present Grundlov was written before globalisation and before so
many Danes worked abroad.
Fra Statsborger.dk:
”Ændring af lov om dansk indfødsret (Dobbelt statsborgerskab mv.” er nu sat i Folketingets kalender for marts måned.
(LINK: http://www.ft.dk/samling/20131/almdel/fiv/bilag/120/1338392/index.htm )
Du skal et stykke ned i dokumentet og se under programsatte punkter for lovforslag
præsenteret af Justitsministeriet
Vi holder naturligvis netop i denne fase løbende kontakt med danske politikkere, og presser på for at VORES sag behandles, så vi alle kan blive HELE BORGERE IGEN!
Vore kontakter i regeringen svarer vores utålmodige forespørgelser med, at sagen går sin
gang, og vil blive behandlet inden Folketinget går på sommerferie.
Hvornår en ny lov træder i kraft, og hvordan den i detaljer kommer til at se ud, kan
politikkerne ikke udtale sig om på nuværende tidspunkt.
Men som en af vores kontakter udtrykker det:
”Det ser godt ud!”
I mellemtiden leder vi stadig efter aktuelle case stories!
Vi er specielt på udkig efter danskere i udlandet og udlændinge i Danmark, der for nyligt har følt sig tvunget til at opgive deres oprindelige statsborgerskab.
Vi vil gerne have aktuelle historier ”parat”, så vi er klar til at ”fodre” danske medier med
vores historier NÅR lovforslaget bliver offentliggjort.
I mellemtiden beder vi igen Jer alle om at minde Jeres netværk om sagen – via personlige
kontakter til familie og venner, via henvendelser til politikkere I kender, og via læserbreve
og indlæg på blogs m.m.m.
I kan f.eks kopiere og videresende teksten her med den korte udgave af de gode
argumenter og kortet, der tydeligt viser, at dansk lovgivning ikke er tidssvarende.
FAKTA OM DOBBELT STATSBORGERSKAB
- Dobbelt statsborgerskab giver borgerrettigheder og stemmeret i bopælslandet.
(Retten til at stemme i DK falder i følge nuværende lovgivning bort efter højest to år med
adresse i et andet land.) - Pension er afhængig af antal år, man i sit arbejdsliv har boet i DK.
- Ret til sociale ydelser kræver bopæl i DK.
- Mandlige "dobbelte statsborgere" aftjener værnepligt i bopælslandet.
- Kun 6 ud af Europas 46 stater tillader ikke dobbelt statsborgerskab.
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- 23 af 28 EU-lande tillader dobbelt statsborgerskab.
- Over 90 % af Europas borgere har ret til dobbelt statsborgerskab. - Sverige tillod dobbelt statsborgerskab i 2002, Island og Finland i 2003, Belgien og
Tyskland i 2007 og Luxembourg i 2008, Letland i 2013 og Tjekkiet i 2014.
Danmark tillader de facto allerede dobbelt statsborgerskab, f.eks. for børn med forældre, der har forskellig nationalitet og for de mange, der ikke kan fraskrive sig deres oprindelige
statsborgerskab.
www.statsborger.dk
PRESSEMEDDELELSE FRA WWW.STATSBORGER.DK – 14.3.2014
På vores Facebook-gruppe jubler de pt 4.262 medlemmer over, at regeringens grundige
rapport om dobbelt statsborgerskab - 112 sider og erfaringer fra 29 europæiske lande - nu
er blevet færdig og afleveret, så lovgivningsarbejdet for alvor kan gå i gang.
Det er glædeligt at konstatere, at rapporten tydeligt bærer præg af forståelse for de mange
case stories, vi gennem årene har sendt til de danske politikere.
(LINK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11034191452/ - lige nu finder du også aktuelle
case stories ved at scrolle ned på siden.)
Danskere i udlandet og udlændinge i Danmark ønsker ikke særbehandling, men derimod
ligestillig og lige rettigheder, nøjagtigt som de over 90% af Europas befolkning, der allerede
i dag har mulighed for dobbelt statsborgerskab.
Statsborger.dk noterer med stor glæde, at der i dag - med undtagelse af De Konservative
og Dansk Folkeparti - tilsyneladende er bred politisk enighed for at muligheden for dobbelt
statsborgerskab kommer til at gælde alle nationaliteter – alt andet ville også være i strid
med Danmarks demokratiske traditioner.
Vi sætter stor pris på, at rapporten anbefaler at give mulighed for generhvervelse af tabt
dansk statsborgerskab, ligesom vi glæder os til konkrete regler for, hvornår danske børn
vokset i udlandet har ret til at beholde deres danske statsborgerskab.
Vi ser frem til fortsat at bidrage med konkrete forslag, når lovforslaget sendes til høring –
og alllermest glæder vi os til i en overskuelig fremtid igen at kunne blive HELE borgere med
FULDE borgerrettigheder i det land vi bor i, uden som i dag at tvinges til at kappe vore
rødder til fødelandet.
Vi er naturligvis til rådighed for spørgsmål og interviews: Charlotte Sylvestersen - Italien
0039 348 32 35 269
Tina Thusen - Schweiz 0041 79 635 4816 Eva Gregers Jørgensen - Conneticut USA 001 646
596 6221 (HUSK TIDSFORSKEL!)
DEN KORTE FAKTA-BOKS OM DOBBELT STATSBORGERSKAB:
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- Dobbelt statsborgerskab giver borgerrettigheder og stemmeret i bopælslandet. (Retten til
at stemme i DK falder i følge nuværende lovgivning bort efter højest to år med adresse i et
andet land.)
- Pension er afhængig af antal år, man i sit arbejdsliv har boet i DK.
- Ret til sociale ydelser kræver bopæl i DK.
- Mandlige "dobbelte statsborgere" aftjener værnepligt i bopælslandet.
- Kun 6 ud af Europas 46 stater tillader ikke dobbelt statsborgerskab.
- 23 af 28 EU-lande tillader dobbelt statsborgerskab.
- Over 90 % af Europas borgere har ret til dobbelt statsborgerskab.
- Sverige tillod dobbelt statsborgerskab i 2002, Island og Finland i 2003, Belgien og
Tyskland i 2007 og Luxembourg i 2008, Letland i 2013 og Tjekkiet i 2014.
- Ret til dobbelt statsborgerskab har ingen indflydelse på reglerne for at opnå dansk
statsborgerskab
- Ja, man kan føle sig hjemme i to nationer – man elsker jo heller ikke sit første barn
mindre, når nummer to bliver født
Du finder mange flere fakta, rapporter og case stories på vores web: www.statsborger.dk
Fra DANES WORLDWIDE nyhedsbrev juni 2014:
DANES mærkesager Dobbelt statsborgerskab omsider en realitet
Begejstringen var stor, da Danes Worldwide lancerede nyheden på Facebook om, at
regeringen har indgået en aftale med Venstre, SF, Liberal Alliance og Enhedslisten om
dobbelt statsborgerskab. Mere end 200 delte vores opslag, som blev liket af over 500
personer. Og i alt blev nyheden set af ikke færre end 36.000 på Facebook.
I timerne efter strømmede det ind med glade og taknemmelige tilkendegivelser fra
medlemmer over hele verden: ”Jeg jubler bestemt”, ”Ser virkelig frem til det efter så mange
år” og ”Happiness Worldwide! Lovin’ it!” var bare nogle få af de reaktioner, man kan læse
på vores Facebookside.
I et interview i Berlingske kommenterede Anne Marie Dalgaard: ”Vi er jublende glade over
det her. Vi har kæmpet i årevis for, at dobbelt statsborgerskab blev tilladt i Danmark, og
det har meget stor betydning for vores medlemmer, så vi er virkelig tilfredse med den
brede politiske aftale, der blev indgået.”
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Til efteråret fremsætter regeringen lovforslaget om dobbelt statsborgerskab og forventer, at
loven vil træde i kraft i løbet af sommeren 2015.
KOMITEEN FOR UDLANDSFORENINGERS KULTURELLE SAMVIRKE Confédération
Culturelle des Sociétés Étrangères – Cultural Confederation of Foreign Societies Protektor Hans Kongelige Højhed
PRINSGEMALEN K. U. K. S. Præsident Kaj Larssen MSc.MEM Præsidium: Vicepræsident Direktør Ulrik Greve af Rosenborg, Mrs.
Eleanor J. Bomholt, Cand. mag. & art. Carl-Thomas von Christierson, Consultant Ole Christoffersen MBA, Keramiker Susanne Prip Madsen,
fhv. Ministerråd, Cand.jur. John Pontoppidan
Bredgade 47, 3.th., 1260 København K. Tlf. : (+45) 2075 3306 mail: [email protected] web: www.kuks.dk
Referat fra Årsmødet i K.U.K.S., onsdag den 14. maj 2014
i
Den Danske Frimurerorden, Blegdamsvej 23, 2100 København Ø. Vicepræsident i K.U.K.S. Præsidium Ulrik, Greve af Rosenborg (UR) bød velkommen til det
44. årsmøde K.U.K.S. UR udtrykte glæde over, at så mange foreninger var repræsenteret ved mødet og
understregede, at det var en god lejlighed til at man kunne samarbejde på tværs af
foreningerne. UR tilføjede, at K.U.K.S. er paraplyorganisationen og de enkelte foreninger er
netværket.
Valg af dirigent & referent. Efter velkomsten gik UR over til valg af dirigent og referent. UR foreslog sig selv som
dirigent og Ole Christoffersen(OLC) som referent. Begge blev enstemmigt valgt.
Formandsberetningen. Præsidenten for K.U.K.S. Kaj Larssen (KL) viste på storskærm billeder fra engagementet på
Københavns Rådhus den 18. oktober 2013, hvor KUKS INTERNATIONAL GALA FESTIVAL OF
NATIONAL FARE blev afholdt. Kl sendte en stor tak til Hasse Ferrold, der som fotograf havde sikret dokumentation fra FN dagen på Rådhuset.
KL redegjorde med statistik fra FN dagen og nævnte, at 31 ambassader havde deltaget i
denne begivenhed. Heraf havde 3 ambassader samarbejdet med landenes kulturforeninger.
Donationer til dagen var ydet af 5 ambassader og 4 ambassader havde bidraget med underholdning på selve aftenen. KL understregede at underholdning sammen med
orkesteret Up Town Jazzband var med til at bære denne aktivitet.
KL fortsatte beretningen med at nævne at 67 foreninger var indbudt til at deltage i FN
dagen på Rådhuset – dette er alle K.U.K.S. medlemmer – man kun 19 foreninger deltog i selve engagementet, hvilket svarer til ca. 1/3 af alle medlemmerne.
I selve engagementet deltog 700 personer. KL mente, at der burde være plads til ca. 200
yderligere og efterlyste input fra foreningerne/ medlemmerne så der ved kommende
engagementer ville være fuldt hus. Med hensyn til udstillere/aktører har vi allerede nået maksimum fremhævede KL, idet brandmyndighederne har sat en grænse for hvor mange
aktører, der må være i rådhushallen.
Kl understregede at Københavns Rådhuset ikke er selvskreven til at afholde FN dagen for
KUKS og at der hvert år skal ansøges om tilladelse til gennemførelse af engagementer. Der
er meget arbejde i sådanne engagementer og det stiller også krav til foreningerne om at slutte op om engagementerne.
KL orienterede kort om KUKS daglige arbejder og omtalte besvarelse af breve, mails,
opdatering af hjemmesiden og især kontakten til de herværende udenlandske ambassader.
KL fremhævede at dataopdatering på medlemmer og de dertil knyttede data er omfattende og nævnte i den forbindelse at KUKS fremover vil gøre mere brug af mail og hjemmesider.
Udsendelse til medlemmerne med almindelige breve er for dyr. KL understregede, at der
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ikke er indtægter i KUKS, samt at alle arbejdsopgaver udføres af frivillige. Derfor kan man
på længere sigt ikke belaste KUKS med omkostninger til porto. KL orienterede om det kommende engagement, der er udstilling af heraldik på Københavns
Rådhus på FN dagen den 24. oktober 2014. Heraldik kan forstås af alle og er en historie
som man gerne vil Page 2 of 3
fortælle samtidig med at den med symboler kan beskrive ens mål. Invitationer udsendes
snarest og vi har anmodet især om at få nationale symboler – men alle har jo symboler om
land, folk og nation.
Af øvrige aktiviteter omtalte KL News – et nyhedsbrev der 1 til 2 gange udsendes til alle foreninger med informationer om KUKS arbejde. Kl tilføjede at dette nyhedsbrev også gerne
vil bringe de enkelte foreningers aktiviteter til videreformidling.
KL omtalte ajourføringen af hjemmesiden www.kuks.dk og lagde særlig vægt på at der
arbejdes med opdatering af medlemslisten og informationerne om de enkelte foreninger herunder formål, vedtægter og hjemmeside.
Som afslutning på beretningen nævnte KL, at der er EXPO i Milano fra 1. maj til 19. oktober
2015 og tilføjede at KUKS gerne vil assistere med informationer derom.
Regnskabet Regnskabet blev gennemgået af kassereren Carl-Thomas von Christierson (CTvC), der nævnte at regnskabet kun er til orientering, at det var godkendt og at revisor
Svend Erik Jensen har gennemgået regnskabet.
CTvC pegede på at største indtægt er festligheden på Københavns Rådhus, hvortil der
sælges adgangskort og næste indtægtskilde er legater. CTvC bemærkede at de år, hvor der er salg af adgangskort har KUKS en indtægt, men der i de år der ikke er salg af
adgangskort næsten ingen indtægt er – som oftest kun legater, der skal søges hvert år. De
år er indtægterne usikre idet KUKS ikke ved om de søgte legater tildeles og hvor meget der
tildeles af de søgte beløb. Om udgifterne nævnte CTvC at tryksager er en stor omkostning, som man måske frem over
kunne mindske ved at gøre brug af elektroniske udsendelser. Det er f.eks. trykning af
adgangskort med numre på der er belastende for denne udgiftspost. Kl tilføjede at der
arbejdes med elektroniske billetter og man vil søge at løse problemet med numre til
lotteriet. Dette kan evt. løses med håndscannere så kun de tilstedeværende deltager i lotteriet.
Der havde i indeværende år været mange runde fødselsdage og dette gjorde at udgiften til
gaver og blomster var lidt større end de forrige år. Som sidste udgiftspost fremhævede
CtvC at kørsel og parkering var steget lidt, men at denne udgiftspost er nødvendig for at holde tæt kontakt til de herværende ambassader, der ofte udgør rygraden i mange
foreninger. CTvC bemærkede at det er undersøgt om hvilke legater der kunne være aktuelle
ud fra KUKS formål, og omtalte den store legatbog som de enkelte foreninger kunne få
glæde af at studere og anvende i deres arbejde. På forespørgsel fra tilhørerne om hvem der yder legater til KUKS svarede CTvC at det er
Tuborg og Danske Bank, og at der skal søges hvert år.
Der blev rejst et spørgsmål om at rykke lotteriet frem i programmet, hertil svarede UR, at
det vil man arbejde på dette til næste gang, for at så mange som muligt kan deltage i lotteriet.
Kommende aktiviteter. KL omtalte udstillingen af heraldik den 24. oktober 2014 på Københavns Rådhus og
tilføjede, at der ikke er andre aktiviteter for nuværende. KL fortsatte med at sige, at det er
vigtigt med respons fra de enkelte foreninger og at det er vigtigt at information om denne aktivitet udsendes og at foreningerne bruger deres netværk til at formidle informationer om
denne aktivitet. KUKS bestræber sig på at få informationer ud hurtigst muligt og Kl sagde at
de enkelte foreninger kunne annoncere FN dagen ved i god tid at bede medlemmerne om at
notere sig dagen. UR tilføjede at det tilstræbes at KUKS markerer FN dagen – den 24.
The British European – page 8
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oktober på Københavns Rådhus på selve dagen i det omfang det er muligt at få stille
Rådhushallen til rådighed. KL informerede om at udstillingen af Heraldik på Københavns Rådhus vil være åben for
publikum frem til og med torsdag den 6. oktober. Informationer om Heraldik på Københavns
Rådhus vil snarest blive udsendt til foreningerne og lagt på hjemmesiden www.kuks.dk.
Optagelse af nye medlemmer Der arbejdes med 3 nye ansøgninger om optagelse i KUKS. UR påpegede vedtægterne for
optagelse af nye medlemmer – hvor referat og regnskab skal fremlægges for KUKS
Præsidium. UR tilføjede at der ganske givet findes flere foreninger der kunne have interesse
i at være med i KUKS og opfordrede deltagerne til at formidle om KUKS til de foreninger man måtte støde på.
CTvC bemærkede at der er en ny finsk forening på vej. Page 3 of 3
Eventuelt. Der blev forespurgt om bestilte adgangskort kunne returneres og de betalte beløb
returneret. Hertil svarede UR at forsigtigheden med bestilling af billetter skal ligge hos den
enkelte forening og ikke hos KUKS. Det vil være svært for KUKS at disponere dagen, hvis
der kommer adgangskort retur få dage før begivenheden finder sted.
CTvC tilføjede at han gerne sender adgangskort ud i flere omgange – hellere det en at der ligger et større antal ikke anvendelige adgangskort hos foreningerne. Så CTvC bad om at
der løbende bestilles adgangskort.
På spørgsmålet om ikke medlemmerne i de enkelte foreninger kunne bestille adgangskort
direkte hos KUKS, svarede Kl at det rent teknisk godt kunne lade sig gøre, men at KUKS gerne vil have de enkelte foreninger ind over og at det kunne være med til at knytte
medlemmerne mere til de enkelte foreninger ved at de viser synlighed i den anledning. Det
blev foreslået at der kunne ydes tilskud til KUKS fra foreningerne og hertil svarede UR at
KUKS har den opfattelse at de økonomiske midler skal forblive i de enkelte foreninger og komme medlemmerne til gode. UR nævnte derefter at KUKS i samarbejde med Hasse
Ferrold’s Internationale Klub fik kontakt til en del personer/ medlemmer af foreninger, der
deltog i FN dagen sidste år og at vi må tænke nyt hele tiden for at nå ud til potentielle
foreninger/ personer med interesse for KUKS arbejde. UR understregede at KUKS er
afhænge af informationer og input fra de enkelte medlemsforeninger for at KUKS kan arbejde og servicere medlemsforeningerne.
UR spurgte forsamlingen om de enkelte foreningers tilknytning til de stedlige
ambassader. Der viste sig at være forskellige tilknytningsforhold lige fra selvstændig
aktivitet og finansiering til tæt samarbejde med ambassaden. Ofte afhænger samarbejdet mellem en kulturel forening og ambassaden af den person, der repræsenterer ambassaden
(ambassadøren) og i nogle tilfælde kan det også være afgørende hvad holdningen i
hjemlandet er til de enkelte kulturelle foreninger. UR understregede at KUKS altid forholder
sig neutral. Fra deltagerside blev konstateret at det undertiden kan være svært at være en kulturel forening, når hjemlandet fører en uforsonlig politik og det blev tilføjet at nogle
foreninger havde set sig nødsaget til at ændre navn for at kunne bevare medlemsskaren. I
tilknytning blev nævnt den danske holdning til international lov også i nogle tilfælde kunne
være begrænsende for en kulturel forenings forankring i hjemlandet. Susanne Prip Madsen (Præsidiet) nævnte at det undertiden har været positivt at vise
nyankommne ambassadører hvad de kulturelle foreninger arbejder med og hvad KUKS
formål er. Det har bl.a. medført, at flere ambassader har tilskyndet hinanden til at støtte op
om KUKS.
CTvC nævnte at der arbejdes med en ny folder om KUKS og at den vil blive tilsendt medlemsforeningerne.
Hjemmesiden blev omtalt og KL orienterede om, at der arbejdes med opgradering af
hjemmesiden og at man gerne vil have lidt mere tid til dette arbejde. KL nævnte at Face
Book og andre portaler kunne være aktuelle frem over, men at der allerede nu er mulighed for at skrive til Præsidiet over hjemmesiden, hvor der også klan besvares mails.
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UR bad deltagerne om at benytte hjemmesiden til at komme med forslag til aktiviteter m.v.
og til at omtale emner som ønskes diskuteret medlemmerne imellem. UR lukkede mødet med at takke for fremmødet og god ro og orden. KL takkede UR for
rollen som dirigent og for rundvisningen i logen samt for at lægge at lægge lokaler til
årsmødet.
København, den 11. juni 2014 Referent Dirigent
Ole Christoffersen Ulrik Greve af Rosenborg
centuries heraldry has been a means of identification. Originally it was the need to
distinguish friend from foe in combat, by colours and symbols, as face and body
were hidden by helmet and armoury. Today, heraldry is still much in use. Countries, cities, dynasties as well as individuals, companies or clubs carry their own coat of arms, and all
over the world there are heraldic authorities that design and grant arms. There are societies
that promote education and understanding of heraldry, its rules and beauty, and heraldry is
studied by scholars, in literature and at conference level.
KUKS is pleased to announce this year’s exhibition of national heraldry, with the aim of creating a venue for the presentation and study of how heraldry is used today by the
various countries all over the world. The Committee hopes that the embassies will take this
opportunity to show examples of heraldry, like national coat of arms, the arms of family,
living or historic, that one way or an-other have been vital to the history in a country, arms that carry an important heritage or constitute a symbolic value to the country or represent
industry, trade, sport, culture or other characteristics. We hope that this years
K.U.K.S. International Exhibition of National Heraldry and Coat of Arms
Confédération Culturelle des sociétés Étrangères Cultural Confederation of Foreign Societies
Protektor Hans Kongelige Højhed PRINSGEMALEN
KOMITEEN FOR UDLANDSFORENINGERS KULTURELLE SAMVIRKE K.U.K.S.
The exhibition is hosted by the City of Copenhagen and will take place in The City
Hall of Copenhagen. Admission free.
The K.U.K.S. Bulletin
June 2014
K.U.K.S. International Exhibition of National Heraldry will be held from Friday the 24th October at 15.00 hrs. to Thursday the 6th November.
For
The British European – page 10
10
THE EUROPEANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD LES EUROPEENS DANS LE MONDE DE EUROPEANEN IN DE WERELD
aisbl
E T T W Europeans Throughout The World
Europe today is much more than the sum of the 28 member states of the European
Union and the countries along its borders. It also includes a European diaspora
living around the globe of 80 million expatriates, comparable in size to the
populations of the Union’s biggest countries. This diaspora, however, is not treated in the same way as other European citizens.
They are very often deprived of some fundamental democratic rights: the right to
vote or be a candidate in European elections; the right to hold two or more
nationalities; the right to reasonable protection, if they live outside the uropean Union.
ETTW – Europeans Throughout the World – has been created to address these
issues. It is a pan-European umbrella organization of national and other
associations, working to improve the life of European expats wherever they live. Our motto: Working together is winning together!
We are currently working with the European institutions to advise them on
policies of importance to expats and also have contacts with other European and
international bodies, which deal with the same issues. We are in close contact with many research institutions both within and without
Europe in order to profit from their research in expat related topics.
We put particular emphasis on the special challenges that young European
expatriates encounter in their lives.
To make our organization truly pan-European, we aim to have active members in all European countries, big and small, within and without the EU. We welcome
organizations and individuals
For more information about ETTW and how you can become a member see our
new website: www.euromonde.eu Or contact us directly: [email protected]
Niels Jørgen Thøgersen
President of ETTW
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Brussels, 8 March 2014
BOARD MEETING FRIDAY, 28 February 2014
Draft MINUTES
The new president, Niels Thøgersen opened the meeting with a special welcome to the
ETTW Members as well as the four invited guests and asked them to present themselves:
Mr Alan Blanchard, New Europeans, http://neweuropeans.net/
Mrs Annik Crynen, Board Member of VIW, is offering to help ETTW. Mr Ramon Jimenez Fraile, individual member (ES), to explore how to attract
Spanish associations and members and to help in facilitating ETTW’s work with
the EU institutions
Mr Max Oillic, European Citizens Abroad, is advocating for EU voting rights. http://www.europeancitizensabroad.eu/can-you-vote.html
APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT AGENDA
The agenda was approved. The treasurer Paschalis Papachristopoulos was excused for
professional reasons.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 15 NOVEMBER 2014
The minutes were approved.
REVIEW OF THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE PRESIDENT
In a few words the President highlighted his priorities:
To build permanent good contact with the EU institutions (early warnings, hearings, lobbying, meetings, networking)
To promote the voting of European expats in the European Parliament elections in May
2014
To work actively for that the new European Parliament and the new European Commission will give priority to diaspora issues
To assist EU presidencies in their activities of interest for European expats
To work with the coming Latvian presidency (spring 2015), which has decided to put
the diaspora policy on its agenda. Niels Thøgersen was invited on March 12 to discuss with the Latvian minister of foreign affairs in Riga how ETTW can help. NJT is asking
member associations to propose good credible ideas in order to contribute effectively
to the drafting of the Latvian diaspora proposals.
- Memberships : to look for additional associations to join ETTW (Spain,Germany,Poland,Italy, the UK, Portugal were mentioned among others).NJT
already got very good and promising contacts with expat organizations in Hungary,
Lithuania, Romania, Estonia and the British expat Associations in France, Italy,
Luxembourg and Portugal and also the British Associations in Brussels. To work to try
to involve also European youth organisations
Communication efforts : ETTW has now a presence on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
as well as a new ETTW website which is also very accessible on mobile devices. It is
still in its building phase : http://euromonde.eu/1 (will go live and online mid March – so do not promote this internal address yet)
The British European – page 12
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Action : Any comments from members to improve the Website are welcomed. This
must on a permanent basis be a collective effort.
EMM - Europe Media Monitor : ETTW Website has an inbuilt link to EMM Europe
Media Monitor which allows access to relevant newspaper articles on basis of
choosen keywords.
The link to this site, which monitors 4.000 on-line media every ten minutes is
here:
http://emm.newsbrief.eu/NewsBrief/alertedition/en/EuropeanExpats.html
If you want to read an article, click on it. And if you do not understand the
language of the article, you can on the right side of the screen with one click
make a machine translation into many languages (machine translation into English
is the best one).
Action : Members are asked to type relevant keywords related to expatriate policy
and diaspora. If they wish so members could send to Niels Thøgersen the URL
of their publications in order to include those to the EMM.
Debate:
Karin Palmquist, Karin Henrotte and Nicholas Newman as well as numerous other members
congratulated the president for all what he has achieved in this first 100 days !
With regard to new memberships, Mr Raymond Xerri questioned how far we should go.
Could we accept a request from a Georgian Association? The president indicated that any
organisation supporting our main goals described in the Statutes could be welcomed. Mr
George Vlachopoulos stressed the necessity to define proper guidelines for memberships eligibility.
Our statutes say that ETTW can have members in the member states of the European
Union, the European Economic Area (EEA) and in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Concrete modalities and practical solutions to be found.
EU elections on 22- 25 May 2014 - discussion of Action Plan:
An animated discussion started among the members on the two draft notes prepared by the
president namely on :
1) Deadlines for registration for EU voting for citizens living within the EU and
outside the EU
2) Suggestions for a campaign for expats
The following proposals met with general agreement: to support the right to vote of EU expatriates who are citizens of Belgium, Greece,
Denmark and Italy and live outside Europe as well as to combat some severe
restrictions imposed on . British and Danish expatriates
looking for testimonies of well known expatriates to promote EU voting on the European Citizens Abroad website - Members to communicate their names to ETTW
secretariat for possible YouTube interviews for New Europe i.e. Niels Thøgersen
article(24 February) on New Europeans.net
The British European – page 13
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ask candidates for MEPs what are they planning to do for expats i.e. such as VIW
did with the Belgian MEP- ETTW secretariat to contact in priority the MEP sitting in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
to ask at EU level for a single deadline for voting registration in future European
elections from 2019 (for example,31 January)
to promote electronic registration and voting as in the Estonia, so as to facilitate voting by expats.(NB: e-voting via a dedicated machine in situ is different to i-voting from home via internet). Paula Selenius noted however that the Finnish expatriate
parliament is still pushing for both internet voting and paper voting as not every
country in the world can issue an electronic ID card needed for internet voting. Both systems can without problems be used in all countries.
OUR STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-2017:
The Strategic Plan is agreed with several remarks and comments
Anne-Marie Dalgaard suggested to have a reasonable budget allowing for ETTW in order to reimburse travels made by the president ( i.e. Latvia) as well as active
help for the website, participation in and organisation of meetings, etc
Karin Henrotte indicated that Swedes Worldwide is discovering also problems for
home comers, i.e. pension rights etc
Need to agree on what issues ETTW will tackle among the main topics of interest
(elections, citizenship, cross-taxation etc). It was agreed that ETTW should tackle
only issues where it has the expertise in order to remain credible and influential.
OUR ACTION PLAN 2014 : discussion
The president indicated his willingness to create two working groups and ETTW is therefore
looking for volunteers to participate actively into these groups. The president asked
member organisations to send any useful written contributions :
WG1 : "Young expats": To identify existing problems and draw lessons from
the experience of other relevant organisations. To contact the Erasmus Student
Network, AEGEE, Mission Laïque, etc. regarding issues of language and culture for
instance. WG2 : "Future structure and financing of ETTW", i.e. review membership’s fee and sponsoring possibilities
We will try to start both working groups in March and have a first report on the
Board meeting on April 11 and the final recommendations at the Board meeting on
June 6.
ETTW ACCOUNTS 2013 AND DRAFT BUDGET 2014
Annual Accounts 2013
In the absence of the treasurer, Paschalis Papachristopoulos, Koen van der Schaeghe
presented the ETTW accounts for the year of 2013 in the form of proper balance sheet of the ETTW account for the year 2013. Nicholas Newman indicated the need to link it to the
past situation especially with regard to the membership’s fees and that he would be
recommend to present those accounts such as the accountant did formerly.
Swedes Worldwide, Suomi Seura and Latvia indicated their willingness to pay the 2013 fees
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provided they get an invoice.
A discussion started on the calculation basis ( population and GDP) of the membership’s fee. George Vlachopoulos reported that the objective was not to increase the membership’s fee
and for those who might face difficulties to allow them to pay the past membership fees in
two installments.
The annual ETTW membership’s fee to the European Movement (250 euro) was put into question and introduction of mutuality was suggested.
Actions :
- ETTW to send invoice for annual membership’s fee payment with a set deadline for payment.
Agreement to send the ETTW accounts 2013 within the old format for written approval
by the member associations.
Revised membership’s fee to be discussed within the Working Group 2 on Structure and Finance
Budget 2014 :
Ann-Marie Dalgaard wanted to see an increase within the normal operation budget in order to ition line to cover representation costs as well as travels costs for conferences to attend.
Need also to include a "publications" line as well as to increase communication expenses
(add 300 euros)
Karin Henrotte pushed to analyse the various possibilities to generate income via sponsorships, external donations and crowd funding, by adding a "donate" button on the
Website.
OUR SERVICE TO OUR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Media monitor prepared by George Vlachopoulos every week, is well appreciated by our members.
- European Media Monitor EMM service has a great potential – but member
associations need to give proper keywords in order to get the best information on
expatriates' issues.
Exchange of best practices i.e. the Finnish and Swedish Expatriates Parliaments, the Irish Diaspora toolkit, etc.
To prepare Fact Sheets such as the one on EU elections, the Swiss referendum
follow-up and question of Maltese citizenship. The next factsheet will be prepared by
Mr. Ramon Jimenez on the revised consular protection directive discussed and hopefully adopted at Council level under the Greek presidency.
RECEPTION
The president quickly presented the various guests he had invited for a friendly drink for good ETTW contacts in the EU institutions, in NGOs in Brussels, in relevant academic
institutions and the colleagues who have volunteered to help us in our work. Members were
asked to present themselves as well as their expats’ organisation and that he hoped that
they would find it an excellent networking opportunity. As it was very successful we will make such a networking drink after each Board meeting a permanent event. The names and
contact information for all guests at the reception will be circulated to all members.
NEXT MEETINGS
ETTW Board’s meetings have been scheduled on Friday April 11 and June 6, 2014.
The British European – page 15
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Brussels, 8 March 2014
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
FRIDAY 28 February 2014
FONDATION UNIVERSITAIRE, 11 Rue d’Egmont, 1000 BRUXELLES
DRAFT MINUTES
The quorum of at least half of the members being present or represented is reached.
1. APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT AGENDA
This one was accepted with the addition of the approval of the last meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING OF 15 NOVEMBER 2013 These were approved.
3. APPROVAL OF THE ACCOUNT FOR 2013 As agreed within the board, a new version of the 2013 account situation will be drafted as
formerly done in order to include a global overview of the ETTW account situation on the
basis on this balanced sheet for the account 2013 prepared by the treasurer, Paschlais
Papachristopoulos. This updated document on the ETTW account 2013 shall be sent to the members for written
approval.
4. APPROVAL OF THE BUDGET 2014 With the amendments proposed by the Board namely to increase somewhat the proposed
budget for operation namely to cover :
- travel and conference costs
- Publications for ETTW leaflets - Website in order to include work and software graphics costs
The revised budget 2014 shall be sent for written approval to the members.
As regards the calculation of the ETTW membership’s fee, it is agreed that the Working
Group 2 on “Structure and Finance” will deal with this issue and come up with some draft
proposals in time before the next Board meetings fixed on April 11 or June 6. The president
is looking for volunteers to participate in this WG 2 and asked Member organizations who
could not participate to send any comment and proposal.
Brussels, 30 April 2014
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BOARD MEETING
FRIDAY, 11 April 2014
Draft MINUTES
1. Welcome, presentation and approval of agenda
The president, Niels Thøgersen opened the meeting with a special welcome to the new
representatives from Poland namely, Mr Josef Ptaszyinski from the Council of the Polish
Community in Belgium and Mr Wieslaw Lewicki from the Institut Polinicus promoting the
Polish culture. They are located in Aachen although registered in Eupen. They represent Polish expats all over Europe and beyond.
2. Approval of the minutes from the Board meeting of 28 February 2014
These minutes were approved taking into account the written correction sent by Nicholas
Newman.
3. Follow-up and updates since last Board meeting – President visits and
member issues
Niels Jørgen Thøgersen reported on his various very fruitful visits and meetings:
3.1 Riga meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to prepare for the issue on a
European Diaspora Policy whilst Latvia has the chairmanship of the EU Council during
the first semester of 2015. Please refer below to item 5.
3.2 In Vienna, the president had a meeting with the Secretary General of the
Auslandsösterreicher – Weltbund, Dr. Irmgard Helperstorfer. They might attend our
next Board meeting as our guest. We agreed to remain in close contact.
3.3 In Paris, the president met the President, Mr. Yves Aubin de la Messuzière, as well as
the Director General, Mr. Jean-Christophe Deberre, of the Mission Laïque in presence of
Bernard Mis. They are very supportive of our work and indicated their particular interest
for ETTW to create an initiative of cooperation between the various national school networks. They also underlined their support to have the two other French expat
organisations as members of ETTW.
3.4. While in Paris Niels Thøgersen also had a very useful meeting with the leaders of the British Expat Association in France, Mr. Christopher Chantley and Mr. Rod Harper. They
also want to work with us in ETTW.
3.5. The President has assisted as expert and on behalf of ETTW in the work of the
European Economic and Social Committee EESC in its work to prepare an OPINION supporting the Commission’s recommendation of January 29, 2014. This
recommendation encourages member states to give their citizens living abroad the right
to vote in national elections. The EESC OPINION was (on April 29) adopted with 203 Yes
votes, 5 No votes and 8 votes abstaining.
Mr Ivo Dubois showed the book on “ Fortunate Connections”written by a Dutch expatriate
living in New York, Mr Eelco Keij. And he also circulated a note on his contacts in the
Netherlands to try to build new contacts and partners for ETTW there.
Mrs Marie-Claude Hayoit had a telephone contact with Mr Christian Bauwens, the Secretary
general of UFBE. We will continue to work actively to make them a pro-active member again
The British European – page 17
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in our organisation.
As president for several years of CIM (the organization assembling the various Italian
expatriates association in Belgium), Mario Greco reported that this association was dormant
but he hopes that things will moved by July. Niels Thøgersen will be in Rome later this year
and hopes to meet with the representatives of the coming Italian EU Presidency to engage them for an EU expatriate diaspora policy and asked Mario Greco to brief him accordingly
before his visit.
The president reported that Ramon Jimenez Fraile is trying to get contact with an expatriate association in Spain. The president of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Mr.
Juan Rodriques – Villa Matons is very interested in working with us (took part in the
reception). And also the Basque expat association is interested in working with us.
Raymond Xerri mentioned that within the Council of Europe, he has access to a list of
national government representatives in charge of their policy diaspora. He has almost
gathered all the information on a list of government officers, who deal with diaspora affairs
in most EU countries. These names could be a source to find additional expatriates Member
associations to build up a EU diaspora network.
Action: Raymond Xerri will send this list to the president to be circulated among the
members in order to complete this list with their relevant national contacts.
The president stressed the need for ETTW to have a critical mass of members’ representatives if we want to have a credible say towards the EU institutions in serving the
EU diaspora.
4. European Parliament elections Campaign
4.1 Presentation by Mrs Laetitia Veriter of the EMI (European Movement International) voting for Europe. “There are 1000 reasons to vote for Europe. What is yours?
Action: Members are asked to contribute actively to this EMI initiative
https://www.facebook.com/european.movement/app_219407548186016 or via Twitter using the #EU1000 hashtag
A discussion followed on the need to attract the young generation to actively vote for the
European elections.
4.2 by ETTW and by members cfr ETTW note on EUROPEAN ELECTIONS May 2014, Promotion for expats
4.2.1 VIW sent the questions they adressed to their European parlementarian
4.2.2 European Citizen’s Abroad – Max Oillic suggested that we should make some joint
proposals http://www.europeancitizensabroad.eu/
4.2.3 Anne Marie Dalgaard showed their last publication devoted mainly to their EU
Parliament election with an article of our President Niels Thøgersen. 4.2.4 Tony Venables stressed the need to have a study on what impact, rights and
measures the European - Parliament has on expatriates. Possible expert fro ULg dr.
Jean-Michel Lafleur to carry such a study impact. Also request that the diaspora policy
is put among the priorities of the new European Parliament Commission on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.
4.2.5 European Parliament’s election website: http://www.elections2014.eu/en
Vote 2014: http://www.debatingeurope.eu/vote2014/#.U0PW5PmSyHM
League of Young Voters: http://www.youngvoters.eu/eu
The British European – page 18
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5 Preparation for a European Policy for the EU diaspora
The president reported on his very fruitful meeting he had with the Latvian Minister of
Foreign Affairs and his staff ( see above 3.1) and within their priorities they want to push
the EU Institutions to pursue a common diaspora policy, representing not only national but
also Europe wide compentencies ( cfr draft Communication sent as working document for
this ETTW board meeting).
Action : One specific action would be for ETTW to help the Latvian Government in
convening a high-level intergovernmental conference on EU diaspora policy in Riga
in the beginning of 2015. For this purpose, the members discussed the 5 listed
supporting activities from the part of the ETTW ( last chapter of the draft
Communication).
All members shared and fully supported the importance of this Latvian initiative. The EU
diaspora policy should really be the ETTW core business. Several members gave practical
actions to be done such as:
- to establish close contact with the DG Justice namely with its Director Paul Nimitz,
- for ETTW to also actively take part in the preparation of the Commission citizenship’s report foreseen for 2016,
- to gather data from the Member States who have an active diaspora policy.
Action: It is decided to create a small working group which will deal with this EU diaspora
policy together with the Latvian presidency. For this purpose, members agreed to
fix a meeting in Brussels before next ETTW Board meeting. This timing will be also
be perfect as we should know by them the names of the new elected MEP’s and find
out which one is interested in the diaspora policy.
6 Plans for a special effort for young European expats
Niels Thøgersen reported that he had already found among the Young European Federalist
some volunteers, namely Daria Santucci, Monica Buna, Ruben Loots and Kris Snick ( from
the League of Young voters), who will start identifying the special problems that the Young
expats are facing. We also have to work closely with other European organizations dealing
with these matters.
Action: Members are asked to make sure that their respective national student Abroad
associations, but also the Erasmus association, the European Voluntary service.. do
join this Working Group ( Skype contacts) with the aim to identify and establish a
list of priorities of young expats for discussion at our next ETTW Board meeting.
7 ETTW future organisation – plans and finance ( sponsoring etc.) mandate for
the specific working group
7.1 Niels Thøgersen stressed that under the organizational side, ETTW has a quite widely spread range of membership’s types. Although officially only 2 categories of members
are defined under the new ETTW Statutes:
- Full members such as national Member expatriates association from the EEE and the EFTA, be national, regional or pursuing specific goals in line with those of ETTW
The British European – page 19
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- Associate members : associations, organisations or individual citizens of the
countries referred to as full members which do not fall within the categories mentioned therein; correspondent organisations and European clubs, pursuing
specific goals in line with ETTW.
-
At the request from the president, several former colleagues from the EU institutions have
joined or shared their expertise to the work of ETTW. These persons are certainly concerned
with the issue of expatriation and are indeed a very valuable and fantastic source of
expertise that need to be officially recognized.
7.2 Regarding the membership’s fee, although the present system has been in used for
several years, the members felt that it needs to be reviewed with more transparency.
7.3 Furthermore, ETTW is looking for other sources of financial supports i.e. corporate
memberships such as with the Danes Worldwide Association or other forms but this should
be definitely done jointly by ETTW and its member’s organisations.
Actions: - Revised membership’s categories and fees to be discussed and reviewed by the
working group Structure and Finance
- The president will also look deeply into the funding issue of ETTW through
sponsorships i.e. with the help of a Swiss-based company with experience in these matters in order to come with a proposal for the next meeting ( cfr paper Funding ETTW
through sponsorship).
8 Mid-term report on the Greek EU presidency and about the Consular Protection
The president thanked Mr Kostas Pappas as well as his colleague Mr Alex Vidouris for joining
the ETTW meeting to report on the main priority issues of the EU Council during the Greek
presidency so far:
- Growth, jobs and social cohesion
- Completion of the EU monetary union
- Migration and mobility As the EU Parliament will be in recess because of the coming EU elections, they indicated
that time will be available to allow some strategic debates to take place such as: banking
restructuration as well as financial transaction tax or better known as the “ Tobin tax “
The new Commisison proposal 2011 on Consular protection to comply with the adopted
Lisbon treaty, is fairly mature to go to the Parliament although this will no longer be under
the Greek presidency. The main issue lies in fact within a Consular intergovernmental
agreement between the 28 Member states to delegate their competences to the EU
delegations abroad. Within the Commission, a subgroup of the External Action Service and
the EU External Affairs are meeting regulargly on the 3 months. The approval of this
Commission proposal on Consular protection will have to be taken up by the next EU Italian
presidency. The aim is lying with the competencies of the EU delegation and to agree on an
institutional framework of the EU delegations to possibly absorb a diplomat from each
Member country to deal respectively with their national requests.
9 Reports from Member organisations on other matters:
Danes Abroad: Anne Marie Dalgaard very happily announced that following their ministry
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recommendation, they hoped to get a draft legislation on dual citizenship
after this summer.
France: Jean-Claude Séché reported on the changes brought with the election of the
“Assemblée générale des Français de l’étranger” and secondly that there will no
longer have a Ministry to represent the French citizens abroad but only a State
Secretary which shall also cover Tourism and foreign trade.
Action: The president addressed a call to each member to send to the ETTW office, their up
to date practical data and information about their organzation as well as statistics
on their number of expatriates.
Reception with invited guests 16.00 -17.30
The president quickly presented the various guests he had invited for a friendly drink ( list
of invitees attached) as the members felt this previous initiative to be of a real opportunity
to meet new potential interested persons and be able to discuss informally specific issues
with them.
NEXT MEETING
Next ETTW Board’s meeting is scheduled on Friday November 7 at 11.00 – combined with a General Assemby
With the specific working group meeting on the EU policy diaspora to take place as soon as
possible.
VOTE IN MAY
EU citizens have the right to vote in the European elections from May 22-25, 2014. This is in most cases also so, if you live in another country than the one you are
born in.
Altogether 24 EU member states accept votes by their citizens living in another of
EU’s 28 member state. And 20 member states also accept it, if they live in a
country outside EU.
If you live outside your home country, you can read much more on this website (
which ETTW is a partner in):
http://www.europeancitizensabroad.eu/can-you-vote.html
Here you have all the information you need:
If you are entitled to vote
When and how to register to use your right to vote
How to vote
Therefore: USE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE. DON’T WASTE IT.
Your vote is equally important as the vote of any other citizen. Make your voice
heard. Have a say on how Europe should develop in the years to come.
And remember: if you don’t vote, you don’t count!
Niels Jørgen Thøgersen
President of Europeans Throughout the World [email protected]
The British European – page 21
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PS: In ETTW we work hard to give all European citizens living abroad the right to
vote – in European as well as in national elections, either where they live or where they come from. Support our efforts.
See more here:
Our website: www.euromonde.eu
LinkedIn: Group Europeans Throughout the World Facebook: Group Europeans Throughout the World
Twitter: @euromonde1
Europe and Us – The House of Lords -The
Referendum– the vote!
On Friday 10th January the House of Lords debated the EU (Referendum Bill)
This Bill may never see the light of day, because the Lords’ debate may well run it out of
time.
The Bill was introduced by Lord Dobbs, an obviously nice chap, but who has not bowed to
pressure to agree that we who are most affected by the outcome of a referendum should be
allowed the RIGHT to vote in this referendum
We, who live in the continental States of the EU, must have the Right to Vote. The outcome of this Referendum could make us Foreigners in Europe. As foreign as Russians or
Japanese. We would have no automatic right to live here.
The following Peers have spoken for our interests (I apologise for omissions – I scanned
through the Hansard report and it is easy to miss records.) To view the Hansard Report click here – begin at column 1738;
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201314/ldhansrd/text/140110-0001.htm The
Lords Oakeshott, Crisp, Shipley, Tugendhat, - there are most certainly others who did not
speak.
The next Stage of debate in the Lords is the Committee Stage – For this detailed debate,
the peers table amendments.
Read here Publication: Amendments to be moved in Committee
An important amendment relates to Clause 2 (‘the who can vote’ clause) and is tabled by
the following peers. It would enable all of us to vote in the Referendum.
Lords Shipley, Kerr of Kinlochard, Bowness and Baroness Quinn
A further important amendment is tabled by Lords Roper. Hannay, and Baroness Quinn.
More can be located via the above link.
What you can do!
To lobby - write to any ‘peer’ as above
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Suggestions [A personal letter is best]. - Dear Lord/Baroness xxxx I am a British Citizen,
living in France/Spain/Cyprus/ Germany/ ete— The outcome of an IN/OUT Referendum is vitally important to me. If it is ‘out’ then I will be a foreigner in the EU. Yet most of us in
Europe will have no vote. Please do all you can to help.
Get the email address from http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/lords/
That also gives you the opportunity to read the background of the’ peer’
Brian Cave ([email protected]) Please note change of e: mail address
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com
Good afternoon Colleagues
Harry Shindler has been requested to attend the Committee for Petitions in
Brussels next Monday 20th January 2014
I have just received a telephone call from Harry who confirmed that he has been requested
to attend the above, which is part of the Euro Parliament. Briefly, when Harry first started
his campaign seven years ago he was in contact with the Committe for Petitions. After much
campaigning and correspondence between Harry and the Committee the case was rejected. However Harry has been in contact with the President of the European Parliament, Mr
Martin Schulz and a decision has now been made to reopen his case, hence Harry´s
presence has now been requested in Brussels. Harry would like to put on record, and for all
of us to join him, in thanking Mr Schultz for his support which is very much appreciated. Unfortunately Harry will not be able to attend in person, as he is suffering from food
poisoning and will be represented by his Solictitor / Avvocato Charlotte Oliver of Italian law
firm Oliver & Partners; http://www.oliverpartners.it/shindler-case-will-not-be-referred-to-
the-echr-grand-chamber/ Early last September Harry and a delegation from Votes for Expat Brits, including Charlotte, attended a meeting in Brusssels with EC Vice President
Viviane Reding and were very well received.
Harry would also like to put on record his most sincere thanks to everybody who personally
wrote to him to congratulate him on being awarded the MBE in the Queen´s New Years Honours List.
Kindest Regards
Graham Ruchards
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com
The British European – page 23
23
IN PARLIAMENT January 9th - Electoral
Commission questions
Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): In addition to the hundreds of thousands of expatriate United Kingdom citizens who—like Harry Shindler, 93, who received an MBE in
the new year’s honours list—are disfranchised because of the 15-year rule, there are also
tens of thousands of expat citizens who could vote but who are not registered. What is the
commission doing to ensure that they can be registered to vote?
Mr Gary Streeter (North Devon) (Con): My hon. Friend raises an important question;
this is a matter of concern across the House. A recent meeting was held between the
Electoral Commission and representatives of the political parties and the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, and attempts are being made to increase awareness among expats that they have the opportunity to register to vote in the next election. There will be a
significant public awareness campaign in overseas literature and online to try to encourage
more voter registration, and there will also be an expat voter day in February this year. The
success of that event will be reviewed after the May elections.
Many thanks to Sir Roger for asking this question. Sir Roger is great at drawing attention to this matter in Parliament and there are others like him.
But aren't there are so many more questions remaining?
1. When will the politicians distinguish between Voting and Representation?
2. When will they ask of the citizen abroad 'How can we help you? What are your problems? Your needs? Your wishes? How can we support you?´ - That is the true
measure of Representation.
3. When will the political parties present policies which display a true interest in the
citizen abroad?
4. When will they lift the 15 year limit on voting? That limit is hardly an
encouragement, and does not convey confidence.
5. When will Nick Clegg regret saying 'If you want a vote, vote in the country where
you live.'/
6. When will Lord Lipsey regret saying 'I will never want you to have the vote for a Westminster MP'?
7. When will Iain Duncan Smith regret disparaging us? And recognise the worth we
bring to Britain.
Brian Cave ([email protected])
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-fro-expat-brits-blog.com
The British European – page 24
24
New post on Votes for Expat Brits blog
Expatriate voters could make the difference in
marginal constituencies by right2vote4xpatbrits
Find out more about the marginal seats which could decide the 2015 General Election in
the UK by browsing the interactive BBC News link below. One of them could be the
constituency in which you last voted before you became an expatriate.
You can still register as an overseas voter where you last lived in the UK and vote to make
a difference, that is if not already disqualified by the 15-year-rule. Go to the Electoral
Commission website http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ and insert the post code
of where you were last resident in the UK to find out how to register and vote from abroad.
BBC News: The seats which could decide the next election.
If you are already disenfranchised by the 15-year-rule and can no longer register to vote in
the UK, we would still appreciate you adding your vote here in support of our campaign
to remove this arbitrary limit on our democratic rights.
Good afternoon everyone,
Below is a bombshell of a message which comes from the EU Commission and circulated by
Graham- The EU have passed a resolution to urge all States of the Union to grant voting rights
without limit to their citizens living in other States of the Union. The files attached give the full
details and reasoning.
Below is the summary.....
The EU Commission HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION:
1. Where Member States' policies limit the rights of nationals to vote in national elections
based exclusively on a residence condition, Member States should enable their nationals
who make use of their right to free movement and residence in the Union to
demonstrate a continuing interest in the political life in the Member State of which they
are nationals, including through an application to remain registered on the electoral roll,
and by doing so, to retain their right to vote.
2. Where Member States allow their nationals residing in another Member State to retain
their right to vote in national elections through an application to remain registered on
the electoral roll, this should be without prejudice to the possibility for those Member
States to put in place proportionate accompanying arrangements, such as reapplication
at appropriate intervals.
The British European – page 25
25
3. Member States that allow their nationals residing in another Member State to retain
their right to vote in national elections through an application or a reapplication to
remain registered on the electoral roll should ensure that all relevant applications may
be submitted electronically.
4. Member States providing for the loss of the right to vote in national elections by their
nationals residing in another Member State should inform them by appropriate means
and in a timely manner about the conditions and the practical arrangements for retaining
their right to vote in national elections.
This recommendation is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, It is desirable that all MPs at Westminster get wind of this recommendation and are urged
to act on it.
Your MP or the MP of your last constituency of residence can be found here
http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
Best wishes Brian Cave ...........
European Commission - Commission Recommendation addressing
the consequences of disenfranchisement of Union citizens exercising
their rights to free movement
Please find attached copies of documents published today by the European Commission concerning the above. There was also a press briefing by Viviane Reding, Vice President and
Commissioner for Justice, and Citizens Rights in the European Union.
Please forward this mail to all your friends, families, colleagues and social media contacts. Kindest Regards
Graham Richards
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com
Statement from Sir Roger Gale MP - Cons. Thanet North
Give Ex-Pats the right to vote – MP Ex-Pat UK citizens should be given the right to vote in perpetuity. That is the view
expressed this morning by Sir Roger Gale, MP (North Thanet) following a statement by the
European Commission in support of the proposal. In a rare moment of harmony with
Brussels the euro-sceptic MP has said:
“It is not often that I agree with the Commission and of course the manner in which we
determine our electoral system is and must remain a matter for the UK and not the EU but
in this instance they have got it right.
In the interests of democracy all UK citizens, wherever they may reside, should have the
right to vote in both UK parliamentary elections and in a future EU referendum if , as I
hope, there is to be one. In most developed democracies citizens have the right to vote in perpetuity. In the UK that right, for those overseas, is limited to 15 years and the
registration system is far too complex. That is the case that we put to the Commission
when Harry Shindler and I met with Commissioner Reding last year and I am pleased that
Harry`s particularly powerful case seems to have found favour. At 93 Harry (who received
The British European – page 26
26
the MBE for services to the United Kingdom in the New Years` Honours list) may not have
too many votes left in him and we need to get on with this.
Personally, I would like to see ex-pats enabled to vote at the next general election but given
Liberal Democrat resistance to a change that seems unlikely. I know that the Cabinet Office
is working on a simplification of the registration system and I hope that we shall have a manifesto commitment for 2015 so that at the very least we can legislate to give ex-pats
the absolute right to vote in an in/out EU Referendum by 2017. That is the least that we
can do for people who in many cases have paid UK taxes throughout their lives, may have
fought for our Country and have children and grandchildren still living in Britain” (ENDS)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/10605829/Britain-is-punishing-expats-by-
denying-vote-Europe-says.html
Britain is 'punishing' expats by denying vote, Europe says European Commission says Britain is treating vote-less expats
like 'second class citizens'
More than five million Britons live abroad, but only 20,000 are registered to vote Photo:
ALAMY
By Matthew Holehouse and Elizabeth Roberts
7:45PM GMT 29 Jan 2014
32 Comments
Britain is “punishing” its expatriates for leaving the country by denying them the right to
vote, the European Commission has said.
The British European – page 27
27
The Government should overturn a law which strips UK citizens of their right to vote if they
have not been on the electoral roll for the past fifteen years, Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner said.
Britons who retire abroad are treated as “second class citizens” because of rules that run
contrary to European principles of freedom of movement, Ms Reding said.
More than five million Britons live abroad, but only 20,000 are registered to vote. The Government is not thought to keep track of how many have lost their vote under the clause.
“The right to vote is one of the fundamental political rights of citizenship. It is part of the
very fabric of democracy,” said Ms Reding. “Depriving citizens of their right to vote once
they move to another EU country is effectively tantamount to punishing citizens for having exercised their right to free movement. Such practices risk making them second-class
citizens.”
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The European Commission raised the example of a British pensioner who retires to France
but keeps in contact with friends, owns a flat in the UK and follows political developments on British radio and TV, yet is unable to take part in elections.
Last year Harry Shindler, 91, a war veteran and long-term resident of Italy, lost a case at
the European Court of Human Rights to regain the vote.
The ECHR said it its judgement that links such as property, pensions and bank accounts did not amount to a close connection to the UK, and it is up to the British Government to
choose a cut-off point.
But European Commission said principle behind the “disenfranchisement rules” that expats
have insufficient ties to their home country “seems outdated in today’s interconnect world”.
Denmark, Ireland, Cyrpus and Malta should also repeal similar rules, the commission said.
Graham Richards, of the Votes for Expats Campaign, said the right was particularly
important given prospect of an EU referendum vote. "Why is it that the French government,
and other EU governments, encourage their expats now living abroad to vote, and provide
polling booths?" he said.
Chris Grayling, the Justice Secretary, said the announcement was another example of
European interference in national matters.
The British European – page 28
28
The right to freedom of movement is being used to trump British laws and “broaden EU
competencies,” Mr Grayling told MPs.
A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “The issue of who votes in domestic elections is clearly a
matter for national governments and not the European Commission. The Government’s
position has been backed by the Courts and the Government is not minded to change it.”
Under plans revealed yesterday, the public will be able to register to vote online, including using a smartphone or a tablet, instead of returning a paper form by post. Officials hope it
will cut down on fraudulent “ghost” voters.
A message from Harry Shindler Harry Shindler* has sent this message,
We are nearly there !
To Madam Reding and her Commission go the thanks of British expats in Europe. To the UK Government we say this is a test of statesmanship, a moment to show that
when they say We believe in democracy, then it has a meaning.
To all ex pats I say, 'Well done'. But we are not at the end yet. So lets keep at it for the
final stretch.
Best wishes,
Harry Shindler.
* You should not need reminding - Harry fought in WWII - at the Anzio beach head just south of Rome. He is nearly 93. He lives in Italy. He has worked voluntarily in many ways
to ensure that the British soldiers who died in Italy are remembered and that the places
where their remains lie are truly understood and respected. For that he was recently
awarded a MBE. He is shining guiding light in the battle to bring to British Citizens in Europe true democracy.
Brian Cave ([email protected])
TEN REASONS FOR AN EXPAT VOTE
All Britons abroad should have the right to Representation in the British Parliament.
Equal rights - The Government of Britain speaks for all British Citizens. Treaties
which affect Britons abroad are signed IN THEIR NAME! The consequences impinge on their lives, often directly, but always by inference.
eXpatriates to be supported and confirmed as British citizens, i.e. passport
holder, tax payer, NI contributor etc, and guaranteeing the rights of freedom of movement in the EU without discrimination.
The British European – page 29
29
Provide "constituency style" support to British citizens abroad who have
problems, grievances etc, particularly relating to relationships between the citizen and the UK government.
A realisation that the majority of British citizens abroad still have strong ties with the
'mother country'. Children, grandchildren, Parents and other relatives, social security
payments, a work history, former work colleagues and friends, ownership of property,
investments, pension entitlements:- the list is endless.
The Democratic Principle -- that constant vigilance supports freedom. The concepts of
‘citizenship’ mean a binding relationship between the governing body and the people? –
N.B. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states ‘nationality is the legal
bond between a person and a State’.
Vaunted ‘Military Covenant’ implies that a relationship of support continues between
the Government and the retired service people for life. They should have the democratic
Right of Representation for life and their needs wherever they choose to live in retirement
respected.
Overseas - Business-grounded British Citizens in the EU (let alone elsewhere) are most
important for the EU and the UK. They should have unhindered rights to vote. It is time
for UK to discard antiquated political views and for UK politicians to look to the future of
Europe and impress the rest of the European Nations by supporting and encouraging their
UK/EU citizens.
The British abroad, in particular the elderly, are more likely to take an interest in what is
happening in their own country, particularly where it impacts on their life and the lives of
their loved ones. It is in the interest of any political party to build on this.
Example – The UK Government surely wishes to show itself as a leader amongst the
Nations. It would do well to demonstrate this quality amongst the Nations of Europe by
allowing the citizens the full rights of citizenship.
Simply put - Consciously or unconsciously all British Citizens abroad are ambassadors
of the British Nation. It is wise for the Government to foster this sense of Britishness and
not to destroy it.
Brian Cave (with thanks to Denis Turner) [email protected]
The British European – page 30
30
FROZEN PENSIONS for Expatriates.
The beginning of the end?
What it means for the British expatriate EVERYWHERE.
I have a report of a meeting on the Frozen Pensions issue at Westminster on April Ist.
But as a preamble I quote from a report concerning the thoughts of David Cameron..
This extract is quoted from the Daily Telegraph! [The article by the journalist Richard Evans
is linked below]
“Sir Roger Gale, the Conservative MP for Thanet North, said he had recently met David Cameron to lobby him for a better deal for the pensioners affected. He said the Prime
Minister was "not unsympathetic" over their plight but that no change was imminent. "Some of these people do not have long left," Sir Roger told a meeting of a new cross-party
parliamentary group formed to fight on the pensioners' behalf. "We need urgent action.
But he added that while the Prime Minister himself had been sympathetic, others in his
office had not. "The attitude towards expat pensioners was 'they don't vote, do
they'."
My correspondent who was at the meeting reports as follows…
It was a VERY interesting meeting with hints from Sheila Telford (from Canada) that
perhaps something will be done. There is a further meeting to which we have not been
invited. I think it is with ambassadors.
Many interesting people. I spoke to the journalists from the Telegraph (Richard Evans) and Independent (Simon Read), they are both good listeners and here is Richard's piece which
he got out very quickly:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/pensions/10738685/Expat-state-pension-rises-David-Cameron-sympathetic-to-calls-for-end-to-freezing.html
It was good to meet Sir Peter Bottomley MP and to hear what all members of the panel had
to say. I suspect that David Cameron's hopeful words are pie in the sky, but perhaps I am wrong. There is a growing number of friends in both houses of Parliament, and they sound
determined to get the problem solved.
I was only given time to ask one short question, in my words to Sheila's request: "The whole frozen pension issue is very difficult to understand. How on earth did it begin and
who thought it up?" Peter Bottomley described the ad hoc manner in which it started and
emphasised that freezing was totally wrong. He is a firm ally and speaks very clearly.
NOTE – The need for all of us to have the VOTE! And for US to use it! This is the only certain way that Britons Abroad will be recognised and respected by the politicians in
LONDON.
In the next few days an important circular on this matter will land on your
computer. Please keep a watch for it and if you can… act on it
The British European – page 31
31
Author Brian Cave ([email protected])
-Votes for Britons -http://votes-for-expat-brits.com
MPs for expats -- http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/55085
BRITAIN and Democracy in The EUROPEAN UNION
A major consultation about Democracy is under way which affects you.
Your active support would be most helpful. This is probably one of the most important
milestones in the journey to achieve Democratic Justice for British Citizens throughout the Union.
The Cameron Government launched the first of a series of consultation documents some
while ago to analyse the relationship between the UK and the EU – leading to a possible re-
framing of the European link between the States of the Union.
This last March, the third and last tranche of these ‘analyses of competences’ was published. This last includes the ‘competence’ relating to VOTING and DEMOCRACY.
It is of fundamental importance to all British Citizens residing in the EU. A response by as
many of us who can manage it is necessary.
The Government have published some notes which can be read in the following link. They are extensive – To help I draw attention to certain paragraphs
Introductory notes on ‘Voting – Consular and Statistics –call for Evidence’
Paragraph 4.29 page.16 to 4.33 page 17 are particularly relevant. These comment on the
Rights of expatriate Britons to have a voice in Parliament. This Government paper insists that they are ‘within the law’ to limit the ‘vote’ to 15 years residence beyond the UK It also
mentions para. 4.33 the EU’s insistence that we should have representation ‘for life’. para.
4.5 on page 8 is also of interest.
The next link (see below) gives the form for entering responses to the following questions...
What are the benefits and drawbacks to the UK of the current division of
responsibility between the EU and Members Staes at European Parliamentary
elections? You may wish to comment on matters including: (at European
Parliamentary, local and national elections); the administration of elections; electoral integrity; and costs
What challenges do candidates and parties wishing to stand for election at European
Parliamentary elections face, and are they appropriate?
The British European – page 32
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What are the impacts of European initiatives to engage citizens in policy making and
democracy? What has worked well and/or what has not worked so well? You may wish to give examples.
Are there any future opportunities or challenges for the UK whuch result from EU-wide
democratic engagement initiatives other than voting at elections? If so, how can
opportuntities be capitalised on, or challenges met?
Are there any general points you would like to make which are not captured by the
above?
Form is here - Voting RESPONSE form
I myself have completed this form. Here I give a slightly shortened version of it solely for guidance. click on Consultation response.
The views I express are my own. You may well have different views. It is recommended
that you interpret the questions in your own way and respond in your own words.
Though I have already received opinions from certain correspondents, my version will be finalised after I have been able to read other views. Please take action for yourselves.
*****************************
Brian Cave ([email protected])
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com
Good morning Colleagues
Please find latest projections of seats in next month´s European Parliament elections;
http://www.elections2014.eu/en/news-room/content/20140324STO39616/html/2014-
European-elections-latest-projections-of-seats-in-the-Parliament
Kindest Regards
Graham Richards
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com
Good evening Colleagues
Further to yesterday´s meeting in Brussels and mail update from Niels Jorgen Thogersen,
please find below copy of mail that I have just received from Niels and copy of the final and
official document which can be published.
QUOTE
Hi Alan and Graham,
Hereby the final text of the OPINION on voting rights, which was adopted in the
meeting yesterday by the EESC section meeting. It was approved by 79 YES votes,
1 NO vote and 3 Abstentions.
The British European – page 33
33
EN Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 99 — 1040 Bruxelles/Brussel — BELGIQUE/BELGIË
Tel. +32 25469011 — Fax +32 25134893 — Internet: http://www.eesc.europa.
It is an official document, which may be published, if you mention that the final approval in the EESC plenary will take place on April 29. The EESC rule is that is
fewer than 5 members vote against it it will go directly to the vote without a
debate in the plenary. It seems to be the case here.
The EESC had appointed me as the Expert for the OPINION, and I had the
opportunity in the meeting to present our views and strong support from EETW.
This EESC OPINION does not revolutionise the world. But it is certainly a step in the right direction.
Best greetings,
Niels
UNQUOTE
I wish to put on record on behalf of both the Votes for Expat Brits campaign team and our support group our most sincere thanks for all the hard work and effort put in by Niels and
his team. We now all await with great interest the vote of the plenary on 29 April.
Kindest Regards
Graham Richards
www.votes-for-expat-brits.com & www.votes-for-expat-brits-blog.com
European Economic and Social Committee
SOC/504
Disenfranchisement
Brussels, … 2014
OPINION
of the
Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship
on the
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic
and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on addressing the consequences of
The British European – page 34
34
disenfranchisement of Union citizens exercising their right to free movement
COM(2014) 33 final
_____________
Rapporteur working alone: Andris Gobiņš
_____________
Administrator: Torben Bach Nielsen
On 7 March 2014 the European Commission decided to consult the European Economic and Social Committee,
under Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, on the
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European
Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on addressing the
consequences of disenfranchisement of Union citizens exercising their right to free movement
COM (2014) 33 final.
The Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's
work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 7 April 2014.
At its ... plenary session, held on … (meeting of ...), the European Economic and Social Committee adopted the
following opinion by ... votes to ... with ... abstentions.
*
* *
View of the Committee
The EU's citizens are at the heart of Article 10(3) TEU which states that "Every citizen shall have the right
to participate in the democratic life of the Union". By the very nature of things, this must also include the
right to take part in elections, which is an essential part of democracy and a fundamental human right.
One of the fundamental rights of EU citizens is the right to free movement. EU citizens can reside and work
in any of the 28 Member States.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights – which has the same legal value as the Treaties – states in Articles 39
and 40 that EU citizens who exercise their fundamental right to free movement have the right to take part
in European and local elections under the same conditions as nationals of their country of residence.
Participation in national elections, however, is not included in the Charter.
A total of 23 EU Member States allows their citizens living abroad in the EU to vote in national elections.
In an unofficial survey carried out by Europeans Throughout the World (ETTW) for the purpose of this
opinion, expat organisations in Europe mention, amongst other things, the following positive reasons for
retaining the right to vote:
Voting in elections – whether they are local, regional, national or European – is a fundamental
democratic right, which must be supported and safeguarded.
In order for national elections to be truly democratic, the voice of all citizens must be heard – including
the voice of those who have decided to live and work abroad.
The British European – page 35
35
Voting rights in national elections allow expats to maintain important ties with their home country and
continue to be "responsible citizens" and "good Europeans".
Expats are, by definition, "ambassadors" of their home countries and also often have to face the
consequences of political decisions taken by their home countries.
Voting abroad in Europe is seen as a realisation of the European motto "Unity in diversity".
Five EU Member States – Cyprus, Denmark, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom – prevent their
citizens living abroad in the EU from voting in national elections – either immediately after leaving their
home country or after a certain period of time. It is uncertain how many EU citizens are affected or
potentially affected by this kind of disenfranchisement but it is estimated that some 3 million EU citizens
from the five countries in question live abroad in the EU1.
The majority of citizens disenfranchised as a result of such policies also cannot take part in national
elections in the country where they live2. These practices have created a lost electorate – a group of
citizens with no rights to vote in national elections whatsoever.
One of the arguments often used in favour of disenfranchisement is that citizens living abroad lose contact
with their home country. This may have been true in the past. However, thanks to modern communication
technology, it is easy nowadays for EU citizens living abroad to maintain close links with their home
country. They can follow current affairs in their home country on television, the radio and the internet –
with the internet in particular being a common tool for interaction and participation. They can travel home
quickly and cheaply. And in many cases they even pay taxes in or draw pensions from their home country.
The place of physical residence can hardly be justified as a proportionate indicator for losing voting rights.
In its Recommendation of 29 January 2014, the Commission urges the five Member States concerned to
allow their citizens to retain the right to vote in national elections if these citizens demonstrate a continuing
interest in the political life of their home country, for instance through an application to remain registered
on the electoral roll. The Committee would have appreciated the inclusion of a general request to all
Member States to ensure that voting is as straight-forward for citizens living abroad as for citizens living in
the home country.
The Committee strongly supports this recommendation which accompanies the communication to which this
opinion relates.
Article 20 TFEU defines Union citizenship as additional to national citizenship. It can thus be seen as odd
that some citizens are deprived of one fundamental right – the right to vote – when exercising another
fundamental right – the right to move. It is understandable if many see this as being against the whole
philosophy of EU citizenship.
The rules concerning voting rights in national elections are clearly a national – and not European –
competence. The EU does not and must not put this important principle into question. Seen from the
citizens’ point of view, however, progress is needed on the matter. Citizens should still be entitled to
1 According to Eurostat figures, 1.17 million EU citizens from the five countries in question were
living abroad in the EU in 2013, but this figure does not include foreign EU citizens living in Greece, France,
Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta and the UK (though Irish citizens living in the UK are counted). 2 According to the Commission, no Member State has a general policy granting other Member States' nationals
residing in its territory the right to vote in national elections. There are, however, exceptions: "qualifying
Commonwealth citizens" can vote in national parliamentary elections in the UK and UK nationals have the right to
vote in national parliamentary elections in Ireland.
The British European – page 36
36
exercise those fundamental rights which all Member States have acceded to in the EU Treaties, without
being disenfranchised by national legislation for doing so.
The Committee encourages the five Member States concerned to find ways to be more flexible. The
solutions will naturally differ from one country to another. The crucial point is that all EU citizens should
retain the right to vote in the national elections of their country of origin. The Committee encourages these
Member States to consider the European Commission's view that, rather than limiting the right to vote
based on a residence condition, expats should have the opportunity to demonstrate their continuing interest
in the political life of their country of origin. Time limits for retaining the right to vote are by their very
nature likely to be arbitrary.
The Committee furthermore wants to underline the importance of providing expats with clear information
about their rights and how these rights can be exercised.
The Committee urges the competent national authorities to make the procedures for registration and voting
as simple and transparent as possible.
Finally, the Committee stresses that disenfranchisement in national elections is only one example of the
encroachment on citizenship rights that citizens experience when living abroad in the EU. The Committee
urges the Commission to map all such encroachments in order to provide a full overview of the current
state of play in Europe, whilst paying special attention to opportunities for active citizenship and
participation in "day-to-day" decision making.
Additional background information
The Recommendation from the Commission gives a good overview of the legal situation in each of the five
Member States concerned. Based on information from ETTW, the Committee would, however, like to add a
few comments to what the Commission has said:
Cyprus: Around 480 000 citizens of Cyprus live in other EU countries, most of them in the UK. Despite
what has been said, these citizens actually could take part in last year’s national elections. In other words,
there seems to be a discrepancy between the legal situation and actual practices.
Denmark: Around 140 000 Danish citizens live in another EU country. The Danish constitution states that
a Danish citizen has the right to vote in Danish Parliament elections if he or she has permanent residence
in the country. However, a number of exemptions have been introduced. Under certain circumstances,
citizens retain their right to vote for 12 years or in some cases even more. These exemptions call into
question the constitutional argument for a continued "general" disenfranchisement of Danish citizens living
abroad.
Ireland: The number of Irish citizens living abroad is very high – according to a recent official estimate, it
is around 3 million, half a million of whom live in another EU Member State. One of the arguments against
giving expats voting rights has been that they could become a dominant factor in Irish politics. Recent
developments, though, indicate that Irish citizens living abroad could gradually gain voting rights. 78% of
the delegates in the ongoing Constitutional Convention favour giving expats the right to vote in
presidential elections. In a reform bill for the Seanad (the Upper House of Parliament) it has even been
proposed that expats should have the right to vote in Seanad elections. While the government's response to
the Constitutional Convention is still pending, there seems to be a wind of change concerning the question
of disenfranchisement in Ireland.
The British European – page 37
37
Malta: 101 700 Maltese citizens live in another EU Member State, the vast majority of them in the UK3.
The Maltese constitution states that a Maltese citizen has voting rights if "he is resident in Malta and has
during the eighteen months immediately preceding his registration been a resident for a continuous period
of six months or for periods amounting in the aggregate to six months". In a landmark court case in 2003,
a Maltese court ruled that the reference to "residence" in the Maltese Constitution was to be interpreted as
"habitual residence", as the more restrictive interpretation of "residence" as "physical residence" would
infringe the European Convention on Human Rights. This Court decision was never followed up by a
constitutional amendment.
United Kingdom: Almost 2.2 million UK citizens live in another EU Member State. The rules on their
voting rights in UK parliamentary elections have changed three times over the last 30 years. Before 1985
expats could not vote at all, but as of 1985 citizens would lose their voting rights only after five years
abroad. This period was increased to 20 years in 1989 and then reduced to 15 years in 2000, which is still
the period in force. In a very recent development, the Liberal Democrats – who form part of the coalition
government – decided, at their party congress on 1-2 March 2014, that UK citizens in Europe should have
the right to vote in national elections.
Brussels, 7 April 2014
The President
of the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and
Citizenship
Maureen O'Neill
_____________
Dear friends,
The EESC OPINION on voting rights to citizens who use their right to free
movement was finally adopted in the EESC plenary yesterday.
The result of the vote was:
203 YES
5 NO
8 ABSTAINING
The full and final text in all official EU languages will appear here in a few days:
http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.soc-opinions.30975
One step more forwards!
Best greetings,
Niels
NIELS JØRGEN THØGERSEN
3 Figure provided by the Maltese government.
The British European – page 38
38
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
From Members From Elizabethann Burke Madsen:
Free Passport Renewal for Oldies If you are a British citizen born before 2nd September 1929 you are entitled to a free ten-
year passport. This perk was introduced by Home Sec. David Blunket in 2004 as a reward
for everyone who was over 15 at the end of the war.
You apply in the normal way, but just omit to send any payment with your renewal application. If you have been charged for one since 19th May 2004 you are entitled to a
refund.
NEW ADDRESS FOR PASSPORT RENEWAL: It seems just a moment ago I wrote to inform that the office for renewal of British passports
had moved to Düsseldorf, Germany.
Well, that has now changed – this time it is Liverpool, England! Renewal costs £148, and
you should allow four weeks for processing.
Go to the site:
https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports/y/denmark/renewing_new/adult
Elizabethann Burke
The British European – page 39
39
Subscriptions!! Some members have not paid their subscriptions There are still a few members who have not paid their subscription yet –
please payASAP.
Please pay your yearly subscription. The subscriptions should be paid into our new account in Danske Bank. Reg.nr. 0454. Account number: 4724327443. The subscription can be
transferred from your account to the account of the Association.
The amount to be paid is d.kr. 150-00 for a single member and d.kr. 250-00 for a couple.
For businesses the amount is d.kr. 250-00.
For questions forwarded to us on e-mail - please use [email protected]
Please send articles and letters intended for the next BE Bulletin to: Valerie Kristiansen at
BE Bulletins can be read on our home page: www.briteuro.dk
oOo
THE BRITISH EUROPEAN (ISSN 1604-5025)
www.briteuro.dk The BE bulletin is produced by The British European Association. (Assoc. Reg. No. 4479)
President: Valerie Kristiansen, e-mail: [email protected]
Treasurer and editor: Bent Kristiansen
Meetings and socials: to be determined
Co-ordinator: Monty London Webmaster: Bill Vase
Bulletin Editor: Valerie and Bent Kristiansen [email protected]
Other Core Members: Joe McKernan
