Myths about EU citizenship

European Union (EU) citizenship offers a wide range of benefits to citizens of EU member states, including freedom of movement, the right to work and the right to live and study in any European Union country. However, there are several myths surrounding the EU passport that can serve as misinformation and become a barrier to important issues. In this article we will expose 5 of the most common myths about EU citizenship. 

Myth №1: EU citizenship automatically gives access to all Member States 

One of the most common myths is that European Union citizens automatically have the right to live and work in any country in the EU. While EU citizens have the right to move freely within the European Union, there are restrictions in some countries. For example, many states impose temporary restrictions on the right to work for citizens of other EU nations. 

Myth №2: EU citizenship is the same as nationality 

Although EU citizenship is closely related to nationality, they are different. EU citizenship is a separate legal status granted to citizens of EU Member States. This means that a person can be a citizen of a country outside the EU and still have EU citizenship if they have acquired it through naturalization, investment or other immigration procedures. 

Myth №3: EU citizenship gives automatic access to social benefits 

Another common myth is that EU citizens automatically have access to social benefits such as health care, education and social security. While EU citizens are entitled to some social benefits in their country of residence, these may be limited by specific requirements, and meeting these requirements is crucial to receiving state benefits. 

Myth №4: EU citizenship is only for Europeans 

Contrary to popular belief, EU citizenship is not restricted to Europeans. Residents of non-European countries who hold a passport of an EU member state have the same rights and freedoms as EU citizens, plus the possibility of using a second passport (unless you have to renounce one when applying for it). 

Myth №5: EU citizenship is easy to lose 

Some people believe that it is easy to lose an EU passport, for example by living outside the European Union for too long. This is not entirely true. Although EU citizenship can be lost in certain circumstances, for example by voluntarily acquiring another nationality, there are strict rules and procedures in place to ensure that EU citizens are not deprived of their passport without good reason. The European Union has also taken steps to protect the rights of EU citizens living abroad, such as the right to vote in European Parliament elections, regardless of how long they have lived outside the EU. 

In conclusion, the EU passport offers many benefits and opportunities to its holders, but there are also many myths surrounding it. It is important that everyone knows their rights and how to use them to live well both inside and outside the European Union.