More and more Europeans are aware of their EU citizenship rights

A vast majority of Europeans, about 91%, are familiar with the term “citizen of the European Union”. This is the highest level of awareness yet since 2007.

35 years of the signing of the Schengen Convention

The free movement of persons is a fundamental right guaranteed by the EU to its citizens. It enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in any EU country without special formalities.

Coronavirus: EU Civil Protection Mechanism activated to repatriate EU citizens from China

The EU does not forget its citizens in need, wherever they are in the world.

Data Protection

People are becoming more aware of their right to privacy and data protection.

Final call to prepare for Brexit on 31 October

The Commission publishes 6th Brexit preparedness communication, to help EU citizens and businesses prepare for the UK's withdrawal.

What is the EU and how does it work for you?

Are you aware of your rights as an EU citizen?

Opening a basic bank account within the EU

If you are legally resident in an EU country you are entitled to open a "basic payment account".

10 EU rules that help you enjoy your holidays!

As an EU citizen, you have rights that protect you when you travel. How many of them are you aware of?

Travel easily within the EU

Being an EU citizen means I can explore, study or work in another EU country – it’s a fundamental right. The Schengen Agreement abolished border checks for 26 European countries, so I can travel easily without showing either a passport or ID when moving from one to another. Whether it’s by car, plane or train – Europe has the densest railway network in the world – I can explore all 270 provinces within the EU at my leisure. What’s more, the common currency means that I can pay in euros in 19 countries. All this, and more, gives me the freedom to make endless travel choices, all protected by EU rights that keep me stress-free and safe.

EU citizens love free movement and the opportunities it brings

You can live, work, travel, study and do business anywhere.

Welcome, new EU Emergency Travel Document!

Lost or stolen passports make up more than 60% of the cases of consular assistance provided to EU citizens. Thanks to the rules approved, they can quickly receive a new EU Emergency Travel Document.

You can reuse all information the European Commission publishes online

The European Commission adopts Creative Commons licenses and makes it easier for citizens to reuse all information it publishes online.

Travel easily within the EU

Being an EU citizen means you can explore, study or work in another EU country – it’s a fundamental right!

Enjoy stress-free holidays anywhere in the EU!

Being a citizen of the EU means you can use the public healthcare services of any other EU country, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, in the event of a medical necessity thanks to your European Health Insurance Card.

Today is the World Day of Social Justice

As a European, your rights and freedoms are laid out in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. This document makes it clear that everyone is born free and equal in the respect and rights they deserve.

You have the right to take your online content with you

Travelling in the EU? Feel at home abroad with new portability rules, because your online subscriptions travel with you. Favourite films, TV series, sports broadcasts, songs, games or e-books, all included.

Live, work anywhere in the EU

As an EU national, you are entitled to look for a job in any other EU country. EU rules allow you to keep receiving unemployment benefits while looking for work in another EU country.

My data protection rights were not respected: what should I do?

You enjoy running. You have bought a watch which calculates your heart rate and speed per kilometre, tracks your route and gathers other relevant data. You upload all your data on the website. You realise that your data has been mixed up with someone else’s. What can you do?

Free to travel, live, study and work across borders within the EU

As an EU citizen you are free to travel, live, study and work across borders within the EU. Watch the film!

Consular protection from any EU consulate, even when your country of origin is not represented

For the 7 million EU citizens traveling or living outside the EU, we need consular protection across borders, as a united front. This is a good start: consular protection from any EU consulate, even when your country of origin is not represented.