EU Passports and Nationalities: Shedding Light on Benelux, DACH, and Regional Citizenship

When discussing EU passports, the conversation often veers towards regional affiliations like Benelux and DACH. However, does a passport truly need to specify these regions? Let's delve into the nuances of such concepts and the realities of European unity.

Understanding the Concept of Benelux Capitals

Some critics suggest that EU passports should mention specific regional affiliations such as Benelux, a term often associated with the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The idea is that these countries share certain economic and cultural ties, prompting the question: should their citizens have a passport that reflects their Benelux status?

However, it's crucial to recognize that Benelux is not an official EU region. The concept of Benelux is more about the historical and cultural exchanges between these three countries rather than a binding political or juridical entity. Therefore, specifying such a regional identity on a passport might lead to confusion and does not align with the principles of European integration.

The DACH Region: A Case Study

Another common argument for regional representation on passports is the DACH region, which stands for German-speaking countries including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Similarly, this proposition arises from the idea that these countries share a linguistic and cultural heritage. The term DACH is indeed used in business and academic contexts but lacks official recognition and legal standing.

While the DACH region shares commonalities, it also faces significant diversity. The German, Austrian, and Swiss cultures and legal systems are quite distinct. Therefore, categorizing citizens as DACH citizens might not accurately represent the individual national identities and legal statuses of these countries, which are protected by their respective constitutions and the EU treaties.

The EU Passport: A Unified Document

EU passports currently feature the issuing country and the EU emblem prominently on the cover. This design signifies the unity and solidarity among EU member states. The European Union is a supranational organization that seeks to promote cohesion and cooperation among its members. Specifying regional affiliations on passports deviates from this unified approach and could undermine the sense of European citizenship created through shared values and governance.

The EU aims to break down barriers and foster a sense of common identity. Specifying regional affiliations on passports could foster a backward cultural divide, which is contrary to the spirit of the European Union's integration efforts. Instead, it is vital to promote a common European identity that transcends national and regional boundaries.

Regional Subgroups and Their Relevance

Creating new subgroups in the European context can be seen as an effort to categorize and compartmentalize citizens. However, the benefits of such a categorization are questionable. These regions often lack the legal and political implications necessary to warrant such distinctions in official documents like passports. Instead, the focus should remain on the common values and principles that unite the citizens of the European Union.

Furthermore, the emphasis on regional identities can sometimes be seen as a tool to divide and rule, reminiscent of the political strategies employed by those who seek to undermine the unity of the EU. The push for regional subcategories can be seen as an undermining of the EU's efforts to create a united, coherent, and resilient bloc against external threats, such as those posed by authoritarian regimes.

In conclusion, the current design of the EU passport serves its purpose well by highlighting the unity of the member states. While regional affiliations like Benelux and DACH have their historical and cultural significance, they do not offer the added value needed for official identification and are not officially recognized by the European Union.

Let us continue to support the European Union's mission to create a more cohesive, prosperous, and resilient continent. We must work together to combat division and promote a shared European identity, rather than encouraging the categorization that can lead to divisiveness.

Keywords: EU Passports, Benelux, DACH