Consular protection as derivative citizenship law

Abstract

The right to consular protection is the only right derived from Citizenship (arts. 20 and 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and art. 46 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights) which is developed appreciably as a result of the Lisbon Treaty. The framework for the enforcement of this right is assumed by Member States in the Pro¬posal Council Directive of 14 December 2011 on consular protection of UE citizens. The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights reinforces this position and the fundamental rights of citizens abroad. In the meantime the European External Action Service, through its delegations, assumes a supporting role to diplomatic and consular authorities of Member States located in third States whilst the transfer of consular duties remains a long-term initiative.