EUkansalaisen

EUkansalaisen is a term that refers to a citizen of a member state of the European Union. This status grants individuals certain rights and freedoms that are distinct from those of citizens of non-EU countries. The concept of EU citizenship was formally established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993 and complements national citizenship without replacing it.

Key rights associated with being an EUkansalaisen include the freedom of movement and residence within any EU member state. This means that an EU citizen can live, work, study, and retire in any other EU country under generally the same conditions as nationals of that country. They are also entitled to vote and stand as candidates in European Parliament elections and municipal elections in their country of residence, even if they are not a national of that country.

Furthermore, EUkansalaisen are protected by the fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. They have the right to consular protection from the diplomatic or consular authorities of any EU member state when they are in a territory where their own country does not have a diplomatic presence. This multifaceted status underscores the interconnectedness and shared values within the European Union.