Following the extensive discussion around new European countries resulting from secession, legal or illegal, that are already members states now I found it necessary to seek legal references exist on this controversial topic.
Well, in fact I don't believe it is controversial, since the Lisbon EU Treaty, clearly states what's the definition of the concept of European Union citizenship.
Article 20 (ex Article 17 TEC) provides in paragraph 1 that:
"It creates a citizenship of the Union. Shall be a citizen of the Union every person holding the nationality of a Member State. Citizenship of the Union shall be additional to national citizenship and shall not replace it."
So is being a citizen of a member country which European citizenship gives you and not the other. If you stop being a member state of the European citizenship is lost.
Well, in fact I don't believe it is controversial, since the Lisbon EU Treaty, clearly states what's the definition of the concept of European Union citizenship.
Article 20 (ex Article 17 TEC) provides in paragraph 1 that:
"It creates a citizenship of the Union. Shall be a citizen of the Union every person holding the nationality of a Member State. Citizenship of the Union shall be additional to national citizenship and shall not replace it."
So is being a citizen of a member country which European citizenship gives you and not the other. If you stop being a member state of the European citizenship is lost.
