Don’t Start with Europeans First. An Initiative for Extending Voting Rights Should also Promote Access to Citizenship for Third Country Nationals

Abstract

I would support the idea of a citizens’ initiative proposing the extension to EU citizens of the right to vote in national elections in the member state of residence. At the same time, I do not share the view that we should ‘start with the Europeans first’. EU policy makers should encourage member states to facilitate access to national citizenship for third country nationals who are long term residents in a member state.