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Strengthening democratic participation, citizens’ empowerment and fostering inclusion of citizens in the EU

Democracies depend on their citizens’ participation. EU citizens are increasingly aware of the rights conferred to them by EU citizenship, and they are using them. For example, they are increasingly making use of their electoral rights.

>80%

of EU citizens know their EU citizenship rights.

of EU citizens know their EU citizenship rights.
+5 p.p.

increase in participation in the 2019 EU parliament election since 2004. Turnout in the 2019 elections to the European Parliament reached a 25-year high, driven by young and first-time voters and increased participation of women.

increase in participation in the 2019 EU parliament election since 2004. Turnout in the 2019 elections to the European Parliament reached a 25-year high, driven by young and first-time voters and increased participation of women.

However, EU citizens believe that more should be done to inform them on their EU citizenship rights, for example, via awareness-raising campaigns.


>60%

of EU citizens think not enough is being done to inform them about their EU citizenship rights according to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020.

In order to strengthen democracy, citizen’s empowerment and integration, the European Commission will take the following actions:

Want to learn more about democracy, empowerment and inclusion?

Facilitating free movement and simplifying daily life

The freedom of movement, which allows any EU citizen to live, work or study in any Member State, is the most cherished right by EU citizens.

13.3M

estimate of the number of EU citizens who have exercised this right and moved to another Member State.

estimate of the number of EU citizens who have exercised this right and moved to another Member State.
20%

of the respondents to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020 have lived in one Member State and worked in another.

of the respondents to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020 have lived in one Member State and worked in another.
>80%

of EU citizens thought that the free movement within the EU brings overall benefits to the economy of their country.

of EU citizens thought that the free movement within the EU brings overall benefits to the economy of their country.
3.7M

estimate of EU citizens living in the UK. Brexit has had a significant impact on these EU citizens.

estimate of EU citizens living in the UK. Brexit has had a significant impact on these EU citizens.

However, moving abroad can still entail a number of legal and administrative challenges. The European Commission supports Member States and EU citizens in addressing these issues by taking the following actions:

Want to learn more about free movement?

Protecting and promoting EU citizenship

EU citizenship and its associated rights are a symbol of our shared European identity and the knowledge that we all belong to a community based on the principles of democracy, rule of law and the respect for fundamental rights.

Promoting and protecting the values and integrity of EU citizenship is of great importance – this includes ensuring that citizenship is not undermined or that rights are not restricted.

37%

of EU citizens feel informed about what they can do when their rights as EU citizens are not respected.

of EU citizens feel informed about what they can do when their rights as EU citizens are not respected.
+10M

people have participated in Erasmus+ (and its predecessor programmes) over the last 3 decades. This programme plays an important part in promoting EU citizenship and common values.

people have participated in Erasmus+ (and its predecessor programmes) over the last 3 decades. This programme plays an important part in promoting EU citizenship and common values.

The European Commission will take the following actions to promote and protect EU citizenship:

Want to learn more about protecting EU citizenship?

Protecting EU citizens in Europe and abroad, including in times of crisis or emergency

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected Europeans in different ways and highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities in our society. The COVID-19 pandemic has also emphasized the value of solidarity among Member States and citizens.

7M

EU citizens travel to or live in countries where they do not have access to consular protection provided by their home country.

EU citizens travel to or live in countries where they do not have access to consular protection provided by their home country.
~90%

of respondents to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020 indicated that EU delegations should take a more active role in assisting unrepresented EU citizens.

of respondents to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020 indicated that EU delegations should take a more active role in assisting unrepresented EU citizens.
+600

thousand European citizens affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions were brought home in an unprecedented coordination effort of the EU and its Member States.

thousand European citizens affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions were brought home in an unprecedented coordination effort of the EU and its Member States.
70%

of the respondents to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020 could find the information they needed on the pandemic through the national and EU institutions, or through the media.

of the respondents to the Public Consultation on EU citizenship Rights 2020 could find the information they needed on the pandemic through the national and EU institutions, or through the media.

The European Commission will take the following actions: