The different gears of EU citizenship

Abstract

ABSTRACT The cornerstones of EU citizenship are the right of free movement and the right not to be discriminated against on grounds of nationality. In this article, I choose three categories and test either the overlap between EU citizenship status and practice (Eurostars) or the mismatch between the two (‘perceived as Roma EU citizens’ and EEA-non-EU citizens – Norwegians in this case). I use a performative citizenship approach and, based on 51 interviews with free movers, I analyse how their free movement acts extend and challenge EU citizenship. I argue that the differentiated practice of free movement creates different gears of EU citizenship and, thus, an internally differentiated membership as well as a quasi-EU citizenship outside the formal status.