How does European Union citizenship affect voting rights for people living in another member country?

Under the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union, EU citizenship grants individuals the right to vote and run for office in their country of residence, regardless of their national citizenship.1

Specifically, this provision allows EU citizens living in a member state other than their own to participate in:

• Local elections: Citizens may vote and stand as candidates in municipal elections in their host country.1
• European Parliament elections: Citizens may vote and stand as candidates for the European Parliament in their country of residence.1

These rights were designed to foster integration and ensure that citizens have a voice in the political processes that affect their daily lives within the union, irrespective of their original nationality.1