European Citizens' Area
List title
You are a European citizen if you are a citizen of a Member State of the European Union.
04. Mapping
European citizenship is an additional form of citizenship, meaning it complements your national citizenship without replacing it. But being a European citizen is much more than just a mention on your passport or identity card; it means belonging to a community of people who share the same values and concerns.
My rights as a European citizen.
The right to move and reside, to work and to study ,
on the territory of other member countries.
The right to vote and to stand for election
in municipal elections and in elections to the European Parliament, in the Member State where they reside.
allows you to communicate directly with the European Parliament and its members.
to EU institutions and to obtain a response in the European language of their choice.
before a European Ombudsman against an act of maladministration committed by a European institution or body.
Consular protection by diplomatic authorities
from another member state, abroad, if your country cannot grant it to you.
The right of access to documents
of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission.
The exercise of these rights is subject to limitations and conditions. For example, EU citizens can be elected as municipal councilors but not as mayors or deputy mayors in a Member State other than their own. They can be civil servants in their country of residence, but only in positions that do not involve national sovereignty.
For more information, consult the Charter of Fundamental Rights .
A Europe without borders
The Schengen Area
Since 1995, it has allowed you to move freely, that is to say without border controls in more than 30 European countries: the 27 EU member states, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.
The single market
It is an area in which goods and services can circulate freely, without restrictions or customs duties. It comprises the 27 EU member states, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. However, it should not be confused with the Eurozone, which is a smaller group of countries that use the euro as their currency.
European institutions
The European Council
It brings together the heads of state and government of the 27 member states of the European Union. By meeting a few times a year, they decide on the major political directions of the Union.
The European Commission
The European institution is responsible for ensuring compliance with the founding treaties and implementing policies decided at the European level. It's a bit like a European government. The European Commission has established numerous channels for contacting it:
- the Permanent Representation in France of the European Commission
- Europe Direct centers
The European Parliament
France sends 81 new Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) every five years. The MEP is responsible for approving the EU budget, representing European citizens, and voting on European laws. You can find the list of your MEPs here .
The Council of the EU
It brings together the ministers of the 27 member states of the European Union. Its composition varies depending on the topic on the agenda. Together with the Parliament, it is responsible for voting on laws.
The other European institutions
Court of Justice (CJEU)
It is based in Luxembourg, interprets EU law, adjudicates disputes and ensures its application throughout the Union, notably through specific procedures. All its decisions are accessible online.
Court of Auditors
It is based in Luxembourg, controls the proper management of the European Union's finances by verifying the legality, regularity and efficiency of the revenues and expenditures of the EU budget, and then publishes an annual report for the European Parliament and the Council.
European Central Bank (ECB)
It is based in Frankfurt, defines and implements the monetary policy of the euro area, ensures price stability, supervises banks and ensures the proper functioning of the European banking system.
Mapping
