European Citizenship – Development, Scope, and Challenges from Coursera

All citizens in the EU are granted a European Citizenship on top of their national citizenship. Which rights and opportunities does this supra- and transnational citizenship provide? And what are the challenges and dilemmas of the two-level citizenship – for individuals, for the member states and for the union? This course examines the development, the scope and the challenges of European Citizenship.

The course has a threefold aim: to explore the development, application and current challenges of European citizenship. This aim is examined through three modules. The first module focuses on the development of European Citizenship: What are the substantive rights of citizenship beyond the state, and which institutions have been key to their development? Here, we focus on free movement for persons, cross-border welfare, and political rights – especially the European Citizens' Initiative. The second module focuses on the application of EU citizenship: How is EU citizenship practised? Is EU citizenship limited or extensive when compared to the US federal system, for example? Is it still foremost a right for those who move from member state to member state, but not for those who stay in their member state of origin? Finally, the third module examines the extent to which the rules and rights around European citizenship have been contested and politicized during the last decade. In this part of the course, we also look into the de-Europeanisation of citizenship through Brexit.

The course is funded by Erasmus+ and developed by the 4EU+ University Alliance, consisting of six European Universities: Univerzita Karlova, Universität Heidelberg, Sorbonne Université, Københavns Universitet, Università degli studi di Milano, Uniwersytet Warszawski.

What's inside

Syllabus

The Development and Status of European Citizenship

Although European citizenship was established with the Treaty of Maastricht, which entered into force in 1993, its development and reasoning originate back to the Treaty of Rome in 1958 with free movement for workers and the historically more limited right to cross-border welfare. Since its establishment, the substantive rights of European citizenship have grown, not least through the Court of Justice of the European Union as an important institutional entrepreneur. In this lecture, the development and current status of European Citizenship will be explored by discussing core rights such as equal treatment, free movement, cross-border welfare, and political rights in terms of the European Citizens’ Initiative.

EU Citizenship for 'Movers' and 'Stayers'

This second module further explores the scope of European citizenship, but adds the limits that materialize when rules and rights are applied in practice. We will look into pension, healthcare and family benefits, youth social integration and protection rights beyond the EU territory, as well as the challenges that might arise due to the inherent multilingualism and multiculturalism of the European Union. This module will seek answers to pertinent questions such as: Is European citizenship unequal in practice? Why is an issue, such as the exportability of family benefits, highly politicized in some member states? How do rights extend beyond the EU territory? What are the more recent developments of European citizenship and does that do away with the critique that European citizenship is a privilege for those on the move, but a rather hollow right for those who stay? Overall, this module aims to understand European Citizenship in context.

Challenges to European Citizenship

The third module turns to the challenges of European citizenship. We will present the two sides of the theoretical debate on whether it makes sense to use the concept of citizenship beyond the borders of the nation state. The theoretical critique will first be presented and then responded to. In addition, we will examine welfare chauvinism as a current political challenge to European citizenship. Finally, the lecture turns to de-Europeanisation of citizenship as a result of Brexit. While the process of de-Europeanisation takes away concrete rights for UK citizens in the Union and for EU citizens in the United Kingdom, the process of de-institutionalization also showcases the substantive scope of a key EU institution, matured through gradual steps of integration.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by instructors from renowned universities across Europe, including the University of Warsaw, Københavns Universitet, Sorbonne Université, and more

Examines the origins of European citizenship back to the Treaty of Rome in 1958

Explores the development of core citizenship rights such as free movement, equal treatment, and political rights within the EU

Discusses the challenges and dilemmas of two-level citizenship for individuals, member states, and the EU

Analyzes the limitations and tensions of EU citizenship when applied in practice, such as issues related to welfare benefits and healthcare

Provides insights into the de-Europeanization of citizenship through Brexit and its implications

Reviews summary

Highly rated eu citizenship journey

Learners say this course is exceptional and an informative exploration into the development of EU Citizenship. Students say the course gives a broad overview on the rights and history of EU Citizenship and discuss challenges it may face. They also say the course instructors are of great quality and the lectures are engaging.

Learners described lectures as engaging and well-structured.

"WONDERFUL COURSE CONTENT AND PRESENTATION."

Instructors of the course knowledgeable and expert.

"the best quality of teachers that you could ask"

"Great opportunity to learn about European Citizenship - incl. a great diversity of lecturers from the EU."

Course is highly rated and very informative.

"It was a great learning experience"

"Give broad perspectives on EU citizenship"

"Excellent course. Extremely informative on the history of EU Citizenship, what it means and how it may develop in the future."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in European Citizenship – Development, Scope, and Challenges with these activities:

Review the history and development of EU Citizenship

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Develop foundational knowledge of the history and development of EU Citizenship to prepare for the course.

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Read the Treaty of Maastricht (articles related to citizenship).
Examine historical documents and speeches on the development of EU Citizenship.
Create a timeline of key events and milestones in the history of EU Citizenship.

Follow online tutorials on the challenges of EU Citizenship

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Gain insights into the challenges and controversies surrounding EU Citizenship through guided tutorials.

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Identify and access reputable online tutorials on the challenges of EU Citizenship.
Follow the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts and arguments.
Summarize the main takeaways from the tutorials.

Create a blog post or article that summarizes the key concepts of EU Citizenship

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Reinforce understanding and develop communication skills by creating a blog post or article on the key concepts of EU Citizenship.

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Identify the key concepts and principles of EU Citizenship.
Develop an outline for your blog post or article.
Write a clear and concise summary of the key concepts.
Proofread and edit your work.

Six other activities

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Analyze Case Law on EU Citizenship

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Practice applying the rules and principles of EU citizenship to practical situations.

Browse courses on Case Law

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Identify relevant case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)
Summarize the facts and legal reasoning of the case
Apply the case law to hypothetical scenarios

Review the book 'Citizenship and European Integration' by Catherine Jacqueson

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Provide additional context and insights into the development and challenges of European Citizenship.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on the main concepts and theories related to EU Citizenship.
Identify and summarize the key arguments and perspectives presented in the book.
Write a short essay reflecting on the implications of the book for the future of EU Citizenship.

Analyze case studies on the application of EU Citizenship

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Reinforce understanding of the practical application of EU Citizenship through case study analysis.

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Read and analyze case studies related to EU Citizenship.
Identify the key legal issues and principles involved in each case.
Apply the relevant EU law and regulations to the case studies.

Volunteer with an organization that supports EU migrant rights

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Apply course concepts to real-world situations by volunteering with an organization that works with EU citizens.

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Research and identify organizations that support EU migrant rights.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a specific number of hours of volunteering.

Create a presentation on the future of EU Citizenship after Brexit

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Synthesize course concepts and develop critical thinking skills by presenting on the implications of Brexit for EU Citizenship.

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Research and analyze the impact of Brexit on EU Citizenship.
Develop a thesis statement and outline for the presentation.
Create slides that clearly present your research and analysis.
Practice presenting your ideas effectively.

Participate in a debate competition on the topic of EU Citizenship

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Develop critical thinking and communication skills by participating in a debate competition on a key course topic.

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Research and gather evidence to support your arguments.
Develop a clear and concise argument for your position.
Practice your debating skills with peers or mentors.
Participate in the debate competition and present your arguments effectively.

Career center

Learners who complete European Citizenship – Development, Scope, and Challenges will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

European Union Official

It goes without saying that an understanding of European Citizenship is essential to your role as a European Union Official. This course will provide you with an overview of the development, scope, and challenges of European Citizenship policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for European Union Official

Diplomat

Your service to the European Union would be bolstered by expertise in European Citizenship. The course will ensure you are conversant on EU policy and legal frameworks surrounding European Citizenship.

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Political Science Professor

As a professor specializing in political science, it is important to understand European Citizenship and its significance in the broader political landscape. This course will offer you a deep dive into its development, scope, and challenges.

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Law Professor

European Citizenship is a growing field of study for law professors. By taking this course, you will build a foundation in EU law and gain familiarity with legal issues surrounding European Citizenship.

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Political Scientist

European Citizenship is a fertile field of study for political scientists. The course will offer you a comprehensive breakdown of European Citizenship and help you hone your analytical skills around the political dynamics influencing it.

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Policy Analyst

Gain essential knowledge about European Citizenship through this course. Your understanding of EU institutions, policies, and law will help you think critically about European Citizenship and its impacts.

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International Relations Specialist

Your work with international relations requires an understanding of citizenship beyond the nation-state level. This course will help you to understand how citizenship functions and is debated in the unique context of the European Union.

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Lawyer

As an expert on European Citizenship, you will have a robust understanding of the legal structure, history, and debates that define EU citizenship. This course will help you build a foundation in EU citizenship law from which you can specialize in this area of practice.

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Sociologist

This course can help you to understand the multifaceted social and cultural implications of European Citizenship. You will learn about the different ways in which European Citizenship is experienced and contested by individuals and groups.

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Human Rights Advocate

This course can help you understand human rights frameworks at the regional level of the European Union. By diving into European Citizenship policy, you will broaden your knowledge of rights protections, especially as they relate to freedom of movement and welfare.

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Historian

The historical context of European Citizenship and how it came to be is essential knowledge for a historian. This course will help you connect European Citizenship to broader historical trends and political movements within European history.

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Journalist

As a pillar of the EU, European Citizenship is often debated in political and social discourse. Gaining expertise in European Citizenship will sharpen your analysis of events surrounding it and inform your reporting.

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Political Consultant

This course can introduce you to the current debates and challenges facing European Citizenship. You will be well-positioned to advise clients on the political implications of EU policy and legal battles surrounding European Citizenship.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

This course may help you manage programs related to European Citizenship. You will gain insights about transnational political organization, policy mechanisms, and the legal framework of the European Union.

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Professor

This course may help equip you with the instructional tools needed to teach at the university level. You will gain insight into the development of European Citizenship, European Union institutions, and the perennial question of whether citizenship can exist on a transnational level.

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