Union citizenship was established by the Treaty on European Union (EU Treaty), which was
undersigned in Maastricht in 1992.
Citizenship of the European Union presupposes nationality of a Member State, i.e. every
person holding the nationality of a Member State is regarded as an EU citizen.
Union citizenship does not replace national citizenship but complements it. It increases
citizens’ awareness of the fact that they are part of the European Union and makes it more specific
for them.
At
Bundestag elections, Union citizenship is not of any relevance.
At
European elections and at municipal elections, Union citizens have the right to
vote and stand as candidates in the Member State of which they are nationals, but they may choose
to exercise these rights in the Members State where they live instead.
