The European Union has always been attractive to many. It is not surprising, as it concerns social status and numerous advantages. However, EU citizenship is quite complex and not accessible to everyone. The concept of EU citizenship includes many nuances.
The Concept of European Union Citizenship
EU citizenship is a unique legal status that complements national citizenship and is automatically granted to anyone who holds the citizenship of an EU member state. This status was legally established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and has since become an integral part of the legal identity of Europeans. EU citizenship does not replace national citizenship of the member state but extends the rights and opportunities of its holders throughout the Union. It is a key tool for exercising the freedom of movement of persons, one of the four fundamental principles of the single market.
As of today, in 2026, more than 445 million people hold this status, making it one of the largest citizenships in the world. The legal regulation of EU citizenship is carried out by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, and the case law of the European Court of Justice. This status cannot be obtained separately from national citizenship, so the procedure for obtaining it completely depends on the specific member state's rules.
EU citizenship can only be lost together with the loss of national citizenship of an EU country, emphasizing their inseparable connection. It serves as a symbol of European identity and solidarity, uniting peoples of different cultures and histories. Understanding the essence and advantages of this status is critically important for anyone intending to live, work, or study within the European Union.
EU citizenship is a legal concept that signifies a special political-legal bond between the individual and the EU as a supranational entity. According to Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, a citizen of the EU is every person who holds the nationality of a member state. Thus, this citizenship is derivative and automatic; it cannot be obtained directly through EU institutions, bypassing national procedures. It emerged as a tool to enhance European integration and grant citizens of member states additional rights beyond their national jurisdiction. The concept stipulates that an individual is not only a citizen of a specific country, such as Germany or Italy, but also a full participant in the European project with corresponding rights and obligations.
A significant feature of EU citizenship is that it does not exclude national citizenship and does not require individuals to renounce it, creating a model of multiple loyalties. The legal content of this status is constantly expanding and clarified by the decisions of the European Court of Justice, which interprets the relevant provisions of the treaties. EU citizenship does not entail the existence of a separate European passport, as each member state issues its own passports; however, all carry the same marking "European Union" on the cover. This status is also not directly linked to residence in the EU territory, as a Union citizen residing permanently in a third country still retains their European rights, such as the right to consular protection. The main goal of implementing EU citizenship was to create a sense of shared identity among the peoples of Europe and to eliminate psychological barriers between member states. At the same time, it does not abolish the powers of national governments regarding the granting or deprivation of national citizenship, which remains their exclusive right.
What Rights Does EU Citizenship Provide
EU citizenship provides its holders with a wide range of rights and freedoms guaranteed by EU legislation and having direct effect throughout its territory. The central right is the freedom of movement and residence, which allows EU citizens to freely move, live, work, and study in any of the 27 member countries without needing a work permit or residence visa. This right also extends to family members of the EU citizen, regardless of their nationality. EU citizens have active and passive voting rights in municipal elections and elections to the European Parliament in any member state where they reside, under the same conditions as the citizens of that country.
An important right is the right to consular protection from the diplomatic or consular services of any other EU member state in a third country where the citizen's own country is not represented. Citizens have the right to petition the European Parliament, address the European Ombudsman with complaints about the administration of EU institutions, and communicate with EU institutions in any of the official languages. EU citizenship guarantees the right to access documents of EU institutions, contributing to transparency and accountability. A key social right is access to social security and healthcare in any EU country on the same terms as the citizens of that country, which is particularly important for retirees or persons temporarily abroad.
EU citizens have the right to judicial protection of their rights in any Union country, as well as the right to bring cases before the European Court of Justice in cases of violation of their rights by EU institutions. These rights significantly expand the possibilities for citizens of member countries, making them truly European citizens with equal opportunities regardless of their country of origin. The list of the main rights of EU citizens includes:
- Freedom of movement and residence in the territory of any member state.
- Diplomatic and consular protection from any other EU country abroad.
- Active and passive voting rights in municipal elections and elections to the European Parliament.
- The right to petition the European Parliament.
- The right to address the European Ombudsman.
- The right to send inquiries to EU institutions and receive responses in one of the official languages.
- The right to access social services and healthcare in any EU country.
- The right to judicial protection and equal treatment before the law.
Overall, these are the essential available rights.
Freedom of Movement and Residence in EU Countries
EU citizenship grants individuals the fundamental right to move freely within the territory of all twenty-seven member states without the need for visas or residence permits for short stays, making travel in Europe as accessible and comfortable as possible. Passport holders from any EU country can cross the internal borders of the Schengen Area without hindrance, where border control is either completely absent or minimal, saving time during frequent trips.
The right to reside in any Union state allows individuals to change their residence without additional bureaucratic procedures, requiring only registration with local authorities upon arrival. Those who decide to settle in another EU country are not required to obtain residence permits or work visas, which significantly simplifies the relocation and adaptation process to a new environment. Family members, even if they do not have a European passport, also receive the right to reunification and cohabitation, making migration processes more humane. This freedom of movement applies to all types of travel: tourist, business, educational, or private visits to relatives, without any restrictions on duration. Importantly, these rights apply not only to adults but also to minor children. Such mobility fosters cultural exchange.
It stimulates the economic development of regions. It strengthens the sense of European community. Freedom of movement is one of the most valuable advantages. It makes borders less noticeable. It opens the world to every citizen. Children can study in different countries. Families can freely choose where to live. Citizens can travel without stress. It enhances quality of life. It makes Europe a single space. Bureaucracy is minimized. Registration procedures are straightforward. This encourages active movement.
Access to Work, Education, and Healthcare
EU citizens have the right to work in any member state without obtaining separate permits, opening access to a single labor market with over four hundred million potential employers. Employers in all Union states consider candidacies from European citizens on equal terms with local residents, and no company has the right to refuse employment based on nationality. This allows professionals to seek jobs in countries with higher wages, better working conditions, or a more favorable tax climate, enabling career building without geographical restrictions. Educational opportunities for holders of European passports are significantly broader, as they can enter universities in any EU country under the same conditions as local applicants, often paying lower tuition fees or receiving scholarships.
Academic mobility programs, such as Erasmus+, allow students to spend semesters or years studying at various European universities, enriching their knowledge and broadening their perspectives. In the field of healthcare, EU citizens have the right to receive medical care in any Union country. This right is realized through the European Health Insurance Card, which ensures necessary treatment during temporary stays. There are also cross-border healthcare programs. They allow choosing clinics in other countries. This guarantees access to the best specialists. It enhances the quality of life for citizens. It makes Europe attractive to immigrants. Education and work are key factors. Healthcare provides security and confidence. Employment without bureaucracy is a significant advantage. Equal access to all areas guarantees equality. Social rights are protected at the EU level. This creates a sense of security and stability.
Overall, obtaining such a status is beneficial but complex. This task is extremely challenging to master by oneself.