The Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty) of 1992 for the first time introduced the concept of citizenship of the European Union. While few new rights were attached to the concept its importance lies in its symbolic value and its potential in opening up the future development of a European citizenship. This authoritative study of European citizenship and its legal and political context illuminates the notion of a citizens' Europe. Experts examine: the political and legal nature of the European Union; the political integration process; the principle of subsidiarity; the concepts of equality and citizenship; citizenship rights including electoral and other political rights as well as social rights; the status of third-country nationals; and the remedies and means of redress available to European citizens and residents.