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Global Citizenship Rights in Jeopardy as Nations Increase Revocation Powers
The security of holding citizenship is becoming increasingly fragile,according to a groundbreaking report released today. More countries are now wielding the power to strip individuals of their citizenship, particularly those who have obtained it through naturalization.
Erosion of Citizenship: A Growing Global Trend
A comprehensive analysis of citizenship laws across 191 nations reveals a concerning trend: the rise of citizenship revocation on national security grounds. The study, conducted by the Global Citizenship Observatory (GLOBALCIT) at the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, highlights how armed conflicts and terrorism concerns are fueling this shift.
Over one-third of countries, including many in Europe, now possess the authority to revoke citizenship from individuals deemed disloyal or a threat to state security. This marks a significant expansion of such powers globally.
The Securitization of Citizenship
The increasing practice of stripping citizenship is closely linked to a growing emphasis on security since the September 11th,2001 terrorist attacks. Between 2000 and 2020, eighteen European nations implemented measures to deprive individuals of citizenship based on national security or counter-terrorism concerns.Before 2001, such measures were virtually nonexistent.
Recent examples include Sweden, where the government has explored revoking citizenship from individuals threatening national security, particularly gang members. In Germany, coalition parties have debated similar measures targeting supporters of terrorism, antisemites, and extremists. Hungary has even amended its constitution to allow temporary suspension of citizenship on national security grounds.
These policies are not limited to Europe; they are also expanding in the Middle East and North Africa.
Four Ways Citizenship Can be Stripped
The report identifies four primary grounds for citizenship revocation based on security concerns. Nearly 80% of countries have regulations covering at least one of these situations:
- Disloyalty or Threats to national Security: 132 countries, including many European states (Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, and the UK), can remove citizenship for treason, espionage, attempts to overthrow the government, or terrorism.
- Serious Criminal Offenses: 79 countries allow citizenship revocation for individuals sentenced to imprisonment for specific criminal acts, though this is less common in Europe.
