What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an EU (European Union) citizen?

Question

I'm mainly looking for 2 disadvantages on being an EU citizen because I already have some advantages but I just can't think of any disadvantages. I would really appreciate it, thanks!!!

Answer 1

I think there are some consequences (rather than disadvantages) of being a citizen of an EU member country.

Lets say for example that a supra-national regulation framework (semi-governmental function) imposed by the EU on its members leads to situations where member states can feel their sovereignty encroached upon or compromised.

Another consequence could be an inflow-outflow of EU citizens to and from areas of pre-existing economic opportunity. It is commonly accepted that too many participants in an economically robust area (European metropolitan areas) might lay the rural areas devoid of its workforce and cause a labor surplus/lowering of wages in urban aggregations.

Thats two for you from several more.

Thanks,

AS

Answer 2

Perhaps it's too early to tell. Maybe the possibility of losing control of your country and local concerns of citizens being ignored.

Answer 3

ADVANTAGES:

*Money (really, that's about all there is to it).

DISADVANTAGES:

*Inadequate protection of protected minority groups (Basques in Spain could be affected by universal EU laws, etc.)

*Cultural displacement if too many immigrants from poorer countries come and form large enclaves in richer countries (as the Polish do in some Western European countries).

Answer 4

The loss of sovereignty.

Being part of a proven corrupt organisation (they have been unable to produce acceptable accounts for years).

A question regarding membership of the EU has been put to the vote at myverdict.net.

Answer 5

advantage a lot of things can go different country to learn more language, you dont have to change money, you can go by train..etc.,disadvantage smallest country peoples go to the largest country to wrok.

Answer 6

For me, the most important disadvantage is that the EU linguistic policy is in breach of Human Rights. Not everybody knows this though.

Persons belonging to linguistic minorities have often had recourse to the 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' or the 'Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms' (which all EU member states have signed) in order to support their demands for the right to use their mother tongue with the administration, in judicial proceedings, etc. The rights to which they generally resort are freedom of expression and non-discrimination on the grounds of language.

Although there have been resolutions passed favoring awareness for linguistic diversity,  The main counterargument against the widening of rights of persons belonging to linguistic minorities is clearly that of the financial implications. It is generally believed that the sum of money dedicated to the translation of documents in the EU is astronomical, the sum of money dedicated to translation and interpreting is far from being the astronomical sum many Europeans have in mind. Nevertheless, this does not mean the EU would not be able to cope with the costs of offering translation and interpreting services to more than the eleven official languages and Irish.

It is merely a concern that takes time to improve but nevertheless still a concern.

Answer 7

@Joannah: Sorry but your answer is not correct.

First there are 23 and not 11 official languages in the EU.

Second I do not know any international organisation or state that maintains such a multilingual and cultural diversity as the EU. The UN has only 6 official languages.

Third I do not understand where you could see any discrimination of minorities or even a "violation" of human rights . Sorry, but that's not only far-fetched that's absurd. There is no such human right which entitles you to address public administration in any language you deem appropriate. Minority rights include the possibility to preserve linguistic culture and practice native languages. The decision of official languages is, however, one of the democratic society.

There is no disadvantage of being a EU citizen. In fact everyone who is citizen of a Member State is automatically a EU citizen.

Advantages are:

1. Right to free movement under the same conditions as every national citizen in its EU Member state (non-discrimination principle).

2. Right to vote and to stand in municipal and European elections throughout the EU.

3. Right to diplomatic protection by every EU Member State's representation in the world.

4. Right to file a petition to EU parliament and the EU ombudsman.

--> see Art. 17-21 EC-Treaty