EU citizenship

SUMMARY OF:

Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Article 9 of the Treaty on European Union

WHAT IS EU CITIZENSHIP?

Anyone who is a national of an EU country is automatically an EU citizen. The principle is enshrined in the EU's treaties and is a key factor in developing a European identity. EU citizenship does not replace national citizenship. It is additional to it and gives people specific rights.

KEY POINTS

The Lisbon Treaty introduced an additional form of public participation: the Citizens' Initiative. This allows 1 million citizens from ‘a significant number’ of EU countries to ask the Commission to table a legislative proposal in any area within the EU's responsibility.

BACKGROUND

EU citizenship is set out in Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 9 of the Treaty on European Union.

For more information, see:

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union — Part Two — Non-discrimination and citizenship of the Union — Article 20 (ex Article 17 TEC) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, pp. 56-57)

Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union — Title II — Provisions on democratic principles — Article 9 (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 20)

last update 14.01.2016