The rising disaffection towards the rights conferred by the EU citizenship: are the restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement a threat to the objectives of the European ?

Molina, María José; Hellman, Jacqueline

Abstract:

The Maastricht Treaty of 1992 specifically states that one of the objectives of the European is “to strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of the nationals of its Member States through the introduction of a citizenship of the ”. Those rights mainly refer to move, vote, reside and stand as candidate in European Parliament and municipal elections. The implications and considerations of the legal status granted by citizenship are many. In particular, the free movement of European citizens, which is the core right of the EU citizenship, has been in the spotlight during these last years. Why? Has the UE implemented appropriate measures in order to guarantee this freedom? On the contrary, has the EU’s outlook changed due to, among other reasons, the on-going financial crisis that started in 2007? This freedom of movement has not only achieved economic benefits, but also paved the way for a common European identity. However, despite these positive outcomes, prominent European personalities are, nowadays, pushing for establishing restrictions. In fact, temporary constraints on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals workers have been imposed by European Member States -such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Undoubtedly, these national policies interfere with the main objectives of the European single market; moreover, they severely undermine the very essence of the European .

Área(s) temática(s):

• 2. Gobierno, Instituciones y Comportamiento Políticos

Año:

2014

Tipo de publicación:

Paper/Extenso Congresos GIGAPP

Número:

816

Serie:

V Congreso Internacional en Gobierno, Administración y Políticas Públicas

Dirección:

Sede INAP. Madrid, España

Organización:

GIGAPP- IUIOG

Mes:

29-Sept 01-Oct. 2014