Citizenship of the European Union

Citizenship of the European Union (EU) grants individuals rights and privileges beyond their national citizenship. Established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, it allows EU citizens to live, work, and travel freely across member states. They enjoy rights such as voting in elections and accessing social benefits in any EU country. This legal status promotes a sense of shared identity and solidarity among citizens of different nations, contributing to EU unity. However, it also relies on the legal frameworks of member states, indicating that while EU citizenship is significant, it complements national citizenship rather than replacing it.