European Rights: Citizen Rights or Human Rights?

Abstract

’No taxation without representation!’ This was the well-known formula used by settlers in the prelude to American Independence from the British Crown in the 18^th century. It explained a general demand for participation in the process of political decision-making of those living in the colony. Why, the settlers argued, are we obliged to financially contribute to a state in which we have no say? This logic may not be outdated. In contemporary Europe, the very same question arises in the Members States of the European Union with regard to those living on their territory. Should they confer political rights only on those who are members of the historically and politically developed community? Or should they include non-nationals as a constituent part, provided that they live on their territory for a certain period of time?