The limitations of European citizenship

Abstract

Firstly an analysis of the rights and duties which are usually associated with Citizenship has been made to identify the main rights which ensue from the concept of citizenship as traditionally known. The identification of such rights was necessary in order to be able to compare and contrast to the rights offered by Union citizenship. Later the right of free movement and residence which is considered as the most important right granted by Union citizenship has been reviewed so as to identify the individuals to whom it applies and any conditions for its exercise. Chapter 3 investigates the rights to vote and stand in elections, right of diplomatic and consular protection and other rights referred to as 'political rights' usually connected to national citizenship, their limitations in terms of the Treaty and defaults in relation to national citizenship so as to determine faults in this area. Chapter 4 views the qualification of sufficient resources and sickness insurance and lastly Chapter 5 the limitations of public policy, public security, public health and public service are analysed, paying special attention to the interpretation and application given by the court of Justice and the reasons behind their imposition so as to establish whether such limitations are warranted or not, and the effect of such on the claimed citizenship status. Moreover the instances of expulsion from the State of residence, which does not exist under national citizenship in respect of the State of nationality, is examined to see its utilisation and justification, and the measures of redress available to harmed individuals.