• Fundamental Rights

• EU citizenship and free movement

• Civil Justice

• Consumer and marketing law

• Contract law

• Criminal Justice

• Data protection

• Gender equality

• Tackling discrimination

• Drug Control policy

• Relations with Third Countries

1957

Right to move

Workers from EU countries granted the right to move and reside freely.

1986

Single Market

The Single European Act set the objective of establishing a Single Market by the end of 1992.

1992

EU Citizenship

The Maastricht Treaty established EU citizenship. Every national of an EU country is also an EU citizen. The Treaty also contains a clause on consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens.

Oct. 1993

Residence for students

Legislative instrument adopted on the right of residence for students , consequently all nationals of EU countries have a right to free movement, regardless of whether they are economically active or not.

1995

Protection for EU citizens

Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 19 December 1995 regarding protection for citizens of the EU by diplomatic and consular representations.

1996

Emergency travel document

Decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 25 June 1996 on the establishment of an emergency travel document.

1997

EU citizenship and national citizenship

The Treaty of Amsterdam adds that EU citizenship "shall complement and not replace national citizenship" (Article 17 TEC).

Mar. 1997

Free movement of persons

The High Panel on the Free Movement of Persons adopted a report recommending major changes to EU law to remove obstacles to free movement.

Apr. 2004

Legislation on the free movement of persons

Directive [189 KB] on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of EU countries adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

Apr. 2006

Legislation on the free movement of persons

Directive [189 KB] on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of EU countries became applicable.

2007

Consular protection

Communication from the Commission on Effective consular protection in third countries: the contribution of the EU - Action Plan 2007-2009

Dec. 2008

Legislation on the free movement of persons

The Commission adopted a report on the application of the Directive on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of EU countries.

2009

Lisbon Treaty

Lisbon Treaty entered into force.

The Treaty strengthens the link between citizenship and non-discrimination and reinforces and clarifies consular protection for unrepresented EU citizens.

July 2009

Free movement of persons

The Commission adopted guidelines on the right of citizens of the EU and their family members to move and reside freely and launched a structured dialogue with EU countries.

Oct. 2010

Citizenship package

The Commission adopted the "Citizenship package ":

EU Citizenship Report 2010: Dismantling the obstacles to EU citizens' rights [154 KB]

Report on progress towards effective EU citizenship 2007-2010 [106 KB]

Report on the evaluation of the 2009 European Parliament elections [80 KB]

2011

Consular protection

Communication from the Commission: Consular protection for EU citizens in third countries: State of play and way forward [212 KB] and launch of a dedicated website for the citizen.