EUborgere

EUborgere refers to individuals who hold citizenship of a European Union (EU) member state. The term is a Danish compound word combining "EU" and "borger," which means "citizen" in Danish. EU citizens enjoy a range of rights and freedoms under EU law, including the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state, as well as the right to vote and stand as candidates in local and European Parliament elections in their country of residence.

The concept of EU citizenship was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, marking a significant shift from national citizenship to a broader European identity. This citizenship is distinct from national citizenship but complements it, allowing individuals to benefit from EU-wide policies and protections. For example, EU citizens can travel freely within the Schengen Area without passport checks, access healthcare under certain conditions, and receive consular protection from any EU embassy when traveling outside the EU.

To qualify as an EU citizen, one must be a national of an EU member state, which currently includes 27 countries. Citizenship is typically granted by birth or descent, though some member states also allow naturalization. The rights associated with EU citizenship are not absolute and may be subject to conditions, such as proof of residence or compliance with local laws.

EU citizenship plays a crucial role in the functioning of the EU, fostering mobility and integration across member states. It also underscores the shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights that underpin the Union. However, debates continue regarding the balance between national sovereignty and EU-wide citizenship, particularly in areas like immigration, social welfare, and political representation.