The European Union is a political and economic union with 27 member states from across the continent. Only about ten countries in Europe are not part of it, and they include the likes of Norway and Iceland which are part of the European Economic Area that collaborates with it. The EU aims to foster economic prosperity and promote peace in the region. The motivation behind it was the aftermath of the Second World War which greatly affected the region, leading to major division. As a result, some countries opted to form a unified force to face the economic and human rights challenges facing them.
The Treaties of Rome, another merger treaty, and the Maastricht Treaty finally led to its establishment. It also created the Euro as the common currency for all its member states. This explains why ICE Casino uses it as one of its key currencies. No serious casino can operate without accepting the Euro because it is the preferred currency for millions of serious gamblers.
Due to its major benefits, most countries have retained their membership status, while others are trying to gain membership. Only the United Kingdom exited in 2020 through the famous move called BREXIT. However, recent reports show that the exit has had a significant negative impact on its economy and available workforce.
Pros of EU Citizenship
Let us take a look at the benefits of being a citizen of the European Union. Perhaps, it will explain why many people are trying to gain it.
1. Less Travel Restrictions
Being a member gives you the freedom to be a world traveler. First, you can live, work, and study in any of the 27 member states without a visa. Some countries have the same privileges but are restricted from doing certain things over a long period. The passport also allows its citizens to access over 150 countries without a visa. With such liberty, movement around the world is simpler and cheaper.
2. More Employment
You can seek employment in over 27 countries just because you are a member. First, any company in any of the member states can employ you without much scrutiny. Secondly, it also collaborates with Switzerland and the citizens of the countries of the European Economic Area. Thus, most Europeans tend to accommodate multiple cultures and learn different languages to enable them to work.
This factor is also a major advantage for corporate companies and investors. No matter where they set up their establishments, they can access a skilled workforce leading to higher productivity. They do not need to sponsor work permits and visas which are usually costly and hard to get.
3. Access to Education & Healthcare
Citizens can apply and get admission to any of the prestigious universities in the region. They can access the subsidized tuition fees in some of the universities leading to fast career progression. This also creates an opportunity for networking that builds diversity and fosters multicultural collaboration. The visa-free access to the countries and freedom to work also improve their standards of living while studying.
EU citizens can also access the highest attainable standard of healthcare in any of its member countries. Hence, they can travel purposely for advanced healthcare or access services when working, studying, or visiting.
4. Increased Investment Opportunities
Citizens can own property in any of the member states without any additional permits. You can also start a business at a minimal fee or open a branch of an existing business in any of the countries. The union has also set up funds and initiatives like the European Investment Advisory Hub that support these businesses.
Another advantage is that the EU is an open market, so businesses can benefit from the increased pool of clients leading to more prosperity.
5. Consular Protection by EU Member Countries
Citizens can benefit from the protection of another EU member state if their countries do not have a national embassy or consulate in a non-EU country. During times of crisis, accidents, or theft of passports, member countries must assist EU citizens as if they were their own citizens.
Cons of EU Citizenship
The benefits of being an EU citizen will always outweigh the cons. However, they aren’t nonexistent. First, the open movement leads to increased competition for business establishments. It could also strain the education and health resources of one country. Unemployment can also arise because of the competition for jobs in high economic areas. Even though these are basic reasons facing any economic zone, the unified approach makes them more pertinent.
These are the pros and cons of being an EU citizen. It aims to foster economic prosperity and peace and these benefits are extending to all citizens. However, open migration and movement have increased competition that may disadvantage some citizens. This could be a concern but the benefits certainly outweigh the risks.
Contributing author to Weird Italy, , a site focused on exploring the distinctive and unconventional facets of Italian culture, history, and modern life.