Upcoming votes in Europe - How significantly does the EU impact our daily lives?
Glide across countries with ease: The European Union, set to have a new parliament soon, offers seamless travels, works, and calls within its 27 countries and even in some others like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. These benefits may only be noticed when they're gone, like the UK's exit from the EU, nicknamed Brexit, in 2020. The EU has a significant impact on the lives of citizens in multiple ways. Here's a glimpse:
Vagabonding
No need for passports when touring the EU. A valid identification card handles the job. Plus, when traveling by car, you're good to go, as your country's driving license is recognized across borders.
R-E-A-C-H
Using your phone across European borders won't hike up your bills, thanks to the EU. This includes calls, texts, and data usage. On the flip side, if you're a European calling someone on vacation in another EU country, there's no additional cost for you.
Guerilla Jobs
The EU's "worker's freedom of movement" means citizens can flexibly choose where to work within the union with no additional paperwork required.
Beverly Hills for the Brain
EU universities must give equal chances to nationals and EU students abroad. The entry requirements may vary, but citizenship shouldn't be a deciding factor in acceptance. Programs like Erasmus+, for students, trainees, and apprentices, let them gather experiences elsewhere.
A Place to Relax (or Work)
EU citizens can reside in any EU country, be it for work, study, or retirement. The Brexit put an end to the freedom of movement between the UK and the EU on December 31, 2020. Since then, if you plan to study, work, or establish a residence in the UK, you must apply for visas ahead of time.
Feel Richer, Spend Richer
Exchange money before a trip then pay hefty fees? That's mostly unnecessary in the EU. Now, you can pay by Euro in 20 out of the 27 EU member states.
You're the Shopping King
The EU-wide guarantee law ensures defendants' rights. If a product's faulty, it should be repaired, replaced, or even provide a partial refund. Shoppers and sellers both have a right to a two-year warranty for free and a 14-day return policy, whether shopping in-store or online.
If you're unwell, your European Health Insurance Card assures immediate treatment in another EU country under the same conditions and prices as at home. If you're insured in Germany, check your EU card's backside for your EU version of the insurance.
Read also:
- The upcoming European elections could significantly impact the seamless travels, work, and communication benefits within the EU, including countries like Germany, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- EU consumers enjoy the freedom of using their phones without incurring additional charges for calls, texts, and data when traveling within Europe, even in countries like Germany.
- The EU's worker's freedom of movement allows citizens to work in any EU country without additional paperwork, offering opportunities for Germans and others within the union.
- German students can study in other EU countries without facing discrimination, with programs like Erasmus+ providing opportunities for experiential learning.
- Following Brexit, Germans planning to study, work, or establish a residence in the UK must apply for visas in advance, as the freedom of movement between the UK and EU was restricted on December 31, 2020.
