Online Course: Political Rights of EU Citizens

EU citizenship comes with significant political rights that allow mobile citizens to vote and run for office in the member state where they reside under the same conditions as national citizens. However, many people are unaware of how these rights work in practice. This course breaks down the complex legal frameworks and offers clear, practical guidance on how to navigate the voting process in your host country and ensure your voice is heard in both local and EU-wide elections.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the full scope of your voting rights as an EU citizen.
• Learn how to stand for municipal elections and European Parliament elections.
• Gain practical knowledge on how to engage more citizens in the democratic process, particularly for local authorities and civil society organizations.

The course is divided into two main modules:

• Political Participation in Local Elections: This module covers the rights of mobile EU citizens to vote and stand in municipal elections in their country of residence. Learn about the specific legal frameworks and practical aspects of participating in local politics, even if you are not a national citizen.
• Political Participation in European Parliament Elections: Discover how you, as a mobile EU citizen, can participate in European Parliament elections. This module explains the process, your rights, and how to make the most of your democratic potential at the EU level.

• Claire Moreau-Sir, EU Rights Manager at ECAS. She brings years of experience in researching and analyzing the legal frameworks surrounding EU citizens’ rights, with a focus on boosting political participation. Her insights are invaluable for individuals and institutions alike.
• Marta Azevedo Silva, Communications Manager at ECAS. She is an expert in EU-level communications and stakeholder engagement. Her contribution to the course focuses on enhancing strategies for public outreach and encouraging more citizens to participate in voting processes across Europe.

• Mobile EU Citizens: If you live in an EU member state different from your home country, this course will help you understand how to vote and stand for elections, ensuring that your political voice is heard.
• Local Authorities: Learn best practices for encouraging voter participation and organizing inclusive elections.
• Civil Society Organizations and Policymakers: Discover strategies for raising awareness and boosting political engagement among EU citizens.

• Political participation is essential for the functioning of democracy, and as a mobile EU citizen, you have unique opportunities to contribute. However, many citizens do not fully exercise their political rights simply because they don’t know how. This course equips you with the information and skills to take control of your political future and helps local authorities create an environment where more citizens can participate effectively in elections.This course is free and available to anyone interested in learning more about the political rights of EU citizens. Whether you are an EU citizen looking to become more engaged in elections or a policymaker aiming to promote greater political participation, this course is for you.Don’t wait – give yourself the opportunity today! Start your free online course HERE and become a more informed and active EU citizen.This project is co-funded by the European Union’s CERV program under the EURECA project.