Pathways to Citizenship in the EU

The publictaion presents key findings from the EMN study on pathways to citizenship for third-country nationals in EU Member States, covering policy changes in the past five years and recent trends in naturalization. It examines the conditions applied by Member States - including residence duration, language and civic requirements, and costs - and explores how citizenship functions as both a culmination and facilitator of integration. The EMN inform highlights persistent barriers such as administrative delays, high costs and limited support, and identifies emerging practices that enhance transparency and access. This publication is designed for policymakers and practitioners seeking a compact, evidence-based overview to guide reforms of citizenship acquisition frameworks.