EU Citizenship: Rights and Opportunities
As a European Citizen you enjoy higher living standards, greater opportunities for career mobility, better health and safety at work, the right to equal treatment and a cleaner environment. You have the right to vote for your own MEPs, or to stand as a candidate in local government and European Parliament elections anywhere in the Union. Citizens also have the right to petition the European Parliament on anything to do with the EU that directly affects them, or make an appeal to the European Ombudsman.
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Career Mobility
There are special programmes aimed at opening up opportunities for you to travel, study or gain work experience in another member state. Under EU rules, qualifications gained in one country must, in general, be recognised in another. It is also your right to receive the same job opportunities, terms and conditions of employment, or to set up a business anywhere in the EU. Help is also given to small independent companies and businesses who would like to sell their products in other countries.
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Protection at Work
EU health and safety rules protect you from hazards in the workplace, such as excessive noise, exposure to dangerous substances or prolonged work at computer screens. In addition, much of the progress we have seen recently in the UK in improvements in employment conditions, the right to equal treatment and anti-discrimination, originate at the EU level. Over many years legislation has been introduced across the EU to ensure that all workers receive equal rights as part-time workers, fair holidays and breaks at work.
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Consumer Rights
European rules are designed to ensure that goods produced in one EU country can be sold anywhere in the EU, thus protecting traditional products and widening the choice available to us in the shops. European regulations are, however, sometimes necessary to protect consumers, guarantee the safety of products and allow the free movement of goods within the EU. Websites and agencies have been established to make sure you are aware of, and can exercise, your consumer rights across the EU.
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Travel
Your rights when booking travel have been protected by EU legislation which obliges tour operators selling package holidays to provide clear information, comply with the terms of contracts, and offer compensation or refunds where appropriate. With the single currency people are able to travel throughout much of the EU using only euros, instead of a confusing mixture of local currencies. In addition as a citizen of the EU you have the right to diplomatic and consular protection from other EU Governments in foreign countries where there is no British Embassy representative. If, when travelling or living in another member state, you become ill, you can see a doctor or go to hospital just as easily as in your own country. All you need to do is obtain form E111 from your main post office before travelling. However, for full cover it is also advisable to purchase your own insurance. Also, as a result of co-operation between the police within the EU, issues such as international crime, terrorism and drug-trafficking are being addressed and tackled jointly.
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- Foreign Office Travel Information
- Dti Factsheet on Package Travel
- Air Transport Users Council
- Commission Website on Co-operation on Combating Crime
Cleaner Europe
One of the clear benefits of membership of the European Union is the combined effort to protect and improve the environment we all share. The EU has introduced legislation to improve the quality of drinking water and the waters around our coasts, particularly along the beaches of coastal resorts. The 'green' policies of the EU are also aimed at cleaning up our ambient environment, by paying particular attention to the reducing discharge of dangerous substances from industrial sites and changes in transport to reduce pollution across the EU. Protective measures have been endorsed by governments to ensure our natural heritage of habitats, flora and fauna is preserved for future generations. Legislation has been introduced to reduce waste such as packaging and to increase re-cycling of paper, glass and even elements of fridges and cars. The EU is leading the world in environmental improvements.
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