What does it mean to have rights within the European Union?

The aim of the European Union is to uphold fundamental rights. Citizens of EU Member States are rightly considered to be EU citizens, meaning, they have European Citizenship as well.

The rights, opportunities and guarantees arising from European Citizenship are guaranteed by the Lisbon Treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. Therefore, the following applies for all European citizens:

• Free movement and residence in the EU

• Participation in political life

• The ability to report and complain

• As well as Consular protection