citizenship of the Union

Do the very people whose rights are associated with citizenship of the Union know this?

We therefore reject the plans to develop citizenship of the Union.

But can and should this citizenship of the Union really play a key role in continuing integration?

They expect citizenship of the Union not just to deliver rights on paper, but also tangible advantages.

I envy him the auspicious moment at which he is presenting his important report on citizenship of the Union.

I would like to suggest that we take a look at the fundamental significance of citizenship of the Union.

Basically, the fourth report presents developments concerning the rights which derive from citizenship of the Union.

Citizenship of the Union therefore plays a key part in legitimizing the Union.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, this evening's debate is concerned with citizenship of the Union.

It places the focus of attention on the individual because, among other things, the Charter establishes citizenship of the Union.

What is citizenship of the Union?

In the case of dual nationality, citizens can invoke laws arising from citizenship of the Union.

Citizenship of the Union appears to take shape in matters such as voting rights, right of residence and freedom of movement.

Indeed, the directive we are discussing represents a genuine leap forward in the debate on citizenship of the Union and the free movement of persons.

Citizenship of the Union is established, with the nationals of every Member State 'subject to the duties imposed thereby'.

We believe that the Catania report on the Commission’s fourth report on citizenship of the Union completely missed the point.

Citizenship of the Union is, then, subject to national citizenship and is thus to be defined by national laws on citizenship.

I think it is important that we ourselves should take on board citizenship of the Union, with everything that it implies, and give it serious thought.

Citizenship of the Union is at the very heart of the link which must unite Europeans and the building of Europe.

For that reason, citizenship of the Union has to be strengthened, developed and made a separate issue if we want to reduce the present democratic deficit in the Union.

Allow me to briefly refer to the conclusions of my report 'Citizenship of the Union' in connection with the operation of the European Ombudsman.

Lastly, let us remember that strengthening citizenship of the Union will only be achieved through total equality between men and women in all sectors of economic and political life.

This could lead to new proposals, which would then form the basis of the Sixth Commission Report on Citizenship of the Union, which is scheduled for 2010.

We all know what that means and what a key role citizenship of the Union occupies for the citizens of Europe, and above all in European integration.

We know that citizenship of the Union should serve to involve more and more of the people of the Member States in the common project for European integration.