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28Fig. 1.2.1. Definition of European citizenship and its component elements from the European Commission%u2019s perspectiveSource: European Commission, n.d.aEuropean citizenship has several dimensions, most frequently invoked are:%u25aa Legal rights and duties: conferred to European Union citizens throughspecific treaties %u2013 the right to travel and reside in any EU country, the right tovote and stand as candidates in local and European elections, the right toconsular protection, and the right to petition the European Parliament or theEuropean Ombudsman.%u25aa Identity and belonging: individuals identify themselves as and feel likeEuropean citizens regardless of their nationality; this involves creating acommon European identity that can be accompanied by belonging to variouslocal, regional, or national communities.%u25aa Active civic participation: citizens are encouraged to actively participate inthe public life of the European Union and Member States through civicengagement, petitioning European institutions, and participating in socialmovements and European forums.%u25aa Access to social and political services: involves the right to equal access tosocial and political services throughout the European Union, regardless of theMember State of origin or residence.1 Citizen Commitment