Grandstand. The idea of citizenship was born in Europe. Crossing our history since antiquity, lived by the Italian city-states and thought by the French Enlightenment, this idea of rights and duties belongs to our daily life. It is however possible to enrich it once more.
Faced with the immense challenges of our time, those of the climate and the digital transition, only Europe is up to the task. In a world of continental powers, it is our best response to weigh and assert our values and interests. This political project of a powerful, sovereign and democratic Europe has been at the heart of our action since 2017. Its realization is within reach for new generations. But it will not be enough to agree on common investments in key industrial sectors or on a firmer response to threats outside our borders: Europe as a power also needs a citizenship project.
Admittedly, European citizenship already exists. It is in addition to national citizenship, without replacing it. It strengthens our rights, our freedoms, our protections. It is the possibility of participating, through our representatives in the European Parliament and our national governments, in the making of European laws.
It is the right to appeal a national judgment to a European court. It is the right of petition. It is also the right to move, to settle, to vote in municipal elections in another country in the European area, and even to be elected there.
It is the ability to access jobs as European civil servants or to exercise, under certain conditions, in other national public functions. Finally, it is the possibility for any European citizen to benefit, abroad, from the protection of the consulates and embassies of the Member States of the European Union, when their country is not represented.
Create a European civic service
But for most of us, the sensitive image of this European citizenship is first and foremost a common currency, a flag, an anthem, a motto, and of course shared institutions.
It is time to give more consistency to this citizenship. For this, the French presidency of the Council of the European Union proposes several initiatives.
It is first and foremost young Europeans who must be able to experience this feeling of belonging.
We propose to our partners to create a European civic service. Lasting six months, we want it to be open to all young people under 25 who want to get involved. Erasmus is one of the greatest successes of the Union: with this civic service, we propose to offer this melting pot of European identity to more young people.
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