EU Court Rules: Denying EU Citizens Membership in Political Parties Violates EU Law
Paris, December 3, 2024 – The French Ministry of Economy’s Directorate of Legal Affairs (DAJ) has published a letter highlighting a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The ruling states that denying certain European Union (EU) citizens the right to become members of political parties in another EU member state breaches EU law.
According to the letter, the case stems from an application by a Spanish national to join a political party in France. The party initially declined the application, citing internal regulations that restricted membership to French citizens. The Spanish national subsequently filed a complaint with the French courts, arguing that the party’s refusal violated EU law.
The French courts referred the case to the CJEU for a preliminary ruling. The CJEU held that EU citizens have the right to become members of political parties in other EU member states, regardless of their nationality. This right is enshrined in Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which guarantees the freedom of association for all EU citizens.
The CJEU emphasized that the right to become a member of a political party is essential for the democratic participation of EU citizens. It enables them to participate in political life, exercise their right to vote, and contribute to the formation of public opinion in their host country.
The CJEU’s ruling is significant as it clarifies the rights of EU citizens residing in other EU member states. It reinforces the principle of non-discrimination based on nationality and ensures that EU citizens have equal access to political participation.
The DAJ’s letter states that the French government will take the necessary steps to comply with the CJEU’s ruling. Political parties in France will be required to amend their internal regulations to ensure that they do not discriminate against EU citizens seeking membership.
The ruling is expected to have implications for political parties across the EU. It sends a clear message that EU citizens have the right to participate fully in the political life of their host countries.
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economie.gouv.fr a new article on 2024-12-03 15:39 titled “Lettre de la DAJ – Refuser à certains citoyens de l’Union européenne le droit de devenir membres d’un parti politique enfreint le droit de l’Union”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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