This is lesson 19 of the second module of EUPress Teacher Training, which covers the macro topic of ‘EU Citizenship and Democracy’.
This lesson will explore EU citizens’ awareness of their EU citizenship.
Nearly 90% of Europeans say they are familiar with the concept of “EU citizenship,” marking the highest level of awareness since surveys began in 2007. That’s one of the key findings in the latest Eurobarometer report analysed during an EUPress training module on European citizenship.
The data, published by the European Commission in 2020, indicates a steady rise in public understanding of EU citizenship — a status that grants every national of an EU member state additional rights, from freedom of movement to the ability to vote in municipal and European Parliament elections.
Knowledge on the rise, but not evenly shared
Respondents were asked whether they knew they were both nationals of their own country and citizens of the European Union — 94% correctly said yes.
But when asked whether they could choose not to be an EU citizen, only 76% correctly identified the statement as false. Nearly one in five replied “true,” suggesting lingering confusion about the binding nature of EU citizenship, which is automatically granted and cannot be “opted out.”
Why it matters
The European Commission has reported on the implementation of EU citizenship rights every three years since 1993, and improving awareness remains an explicit political priority.
As the lecturer noted, stronger awareness is essential for democratic participation and trust. While many Europeans are familiar with their ability to move across borders, fewer grasp the full power of rights such as:
- Consular protection by other EU states when outside the bloc
- The right to petition the European Parliament
- Equal treatment in another EU member state
Better communication of these rights, the module suggests, is fundamental not just for individual empowerment — but also for building a more resilient European identity.
