EU citizenship comes with several benefits, including:
Freedom of Movement: EU citizens have the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states without the need for a visa or work permit. They can freely travel within the Schengen Area, which includes many EU countries, without border controls.
Access to Public Services: EU citizens have access to public services, such as healthcare, education, and social security, in any EU country they reside in.
Voting and Political Rights: EU citizens have the right to vote and stand as candidates in local and European Parliament elections in the EU country they reside in. They can also benefit from consular protection and diplomatic assistance from any EU country when traveling or residing outside the EU.
Employment Opportunities: EU citizenship provides access to a larger job market within the EU. EU citizens can seek employment opportunities in any EU country and are protected by EU laws regarding equal treatment and non-discrimination in the workplace.
Education and Research Opportunities: EU citizens have access to a wide range of educational and research opportunities in EU member states, including universities, scholarships, and exchange programs.
Business and Investment Opportunities: EU citizenship allows individuals to establish and operate businesses in any EU country, benefiting from the EU’s single market and its regulations that facilitate trade and investment.
Family Reunification: EU citizens have the right to bring their family members, including spouses, children, and dependent parents, to join them in the EU country they reside in.
Consular Protection: EU citizens can receive consular protection and assistance from any EU country’s embassy or consulate when traveling or residing outside the EU, especially in countries where their home country does not have a diplomatic presence.
It’s important to note that the specific rights and benefits of EU citizenship may vary slightly between different EU member states. Additionally, EU citizenship does not override or replace national citizenship, but rather complements it, providing additional rights and opportunities within the EU.