right on

Right On meets citizens across Europe who are fighting for their rights. The spotlight falls on a range of subjects, from the respect of basic freedoms to the protection of consumers, with experts also providing valuable insights.

Citizenship Report

13/05 11:12 CET
I'm European but...

What does being a European citizen mean? How many closed doors do we still encounter if we want to have our rights respected in Europe? These are just some of the questions the second European Citizenship Report sets out to answer. Nathalie Stockwell, the European…

Some of your rights as a European citizen:

- Move and reside freely within the EU
- Not to be discriminated against on the grounds of your nationality
- Right to vote and stand as a candidate in municipal and European Parliament elections
- Right to be assisted by another EU country’s embassy or consulate outside the EU, if your country is not represented
- Right to petition the European Parliament
- Organize or support, a citizens' initiative to call for new EU legislation

Useful links:

Freedom of movement

29/04 10:39 CET
Save me from bureaucracy

It is one of those things almost guaranteed to make our heads spin: getting bogged down in official bureaucracy and paperwork. Using public documents such as birth certificates can often be at the heart of the problem, as they are essential to prove who we are. And…
29/04 10:34 CET
EU reform against red tape avoids thorny issue

A new regulation just announced by the European Commission aims to cut back on the red tape and bureaucracy that citizens and businesses face…

Some facts on using public documents across European borders:

- Some 12.6 million Europeans live in an EU nation that is not their own
- Proof of civil status is needed to work, marry, seek healthcare, etc
- Papers are also needed to enjoy a right or comply with obligations
- Citizens complain of the time it takes to get documents recognised
- Authentification of papers can cost up to 50 euros in some countries
- Getting one document translated can cost between €30 and €150

Useful links:

Violence Against Women

15/04 13:33 CET
We can't take it anymore

It is estimated that up to 70 percent of women are the victims of violence at some point in their lives. It is a massive problem that governments are struggling to address, with help organisations calling for better prevention programmes and support services…
15/04 13:30 CET
Men urged to speak out against violence

Help organisations that deal with victims of violence against women say it is crucial that more men speak out against the problem and get…

Some key facts:

- Up to 70% of women suffer violence at some point in their lives
- In Europe the figure is estimated to be one in every four women
- Women are more at risk of rape and domestic violence than cancer
- 2 women a week in England & Wales are killed by a partner (or ex)
- At least 80,000 women are the victims of rape every year in the UK
- The annual cost of domestic violence in the UK is about £23 billion

Useful links:

Voting Rights

01/04 10:43 CET
Others are deciding for you

There is growing concern about the steady decline in the number of people voting in EU elections. And it raises a fundamental question: just how can the Europe of the future be built without the participation of its citizens? Getting people to exercise their right…
01/04 10:42 CET
A good day to vote?

Just what is the best day of the week to hold an election, to ensure that as many people as possible turn out to cast a ballot and that the…