ABSTRACT
Introduction Current debates on European citizenship are based on two premises, which broadly follow an EU-based logic and a state-based logic: on the one hand, EU citizenship represents a good; on the other, a burden. A good, in contrast to a burden, always supposes a benefit rather than a loss. From the perspective of an EU-based logic, EU citizenship constitutes a good, because it supposes freedom of movement and security to nationals of the member states. According to a state-based logic however, EU citizenship is viewed as a burden, since it entails a loss of sovereignty and the basis of its traditional political legitimacy. However, there is a third perspective, held by resident immigrants in member states, namely that the whole issue is discussed behind their backs and is one in which they have no say.
