EU Grants Over 1.1M Citizenships in 2023, Spain, Italy & Germany Lead

The European Union witnessed a significant milestone in 2023, granting citizenship to over 1.1 million individuals. This remarkable figure, released by Eurostat, represents a 6.1% increase compared to the previous year, signaling a notable shift in the region’s demographic landscape.

For travellers and those considering relocation, this data offers valuable insights into the evolving face of Europe.

Leading Countries in Granting Citizenship

For those seeking a new beginning within the EU, certain countries emerged as frontrunners in granting citizenship. Spain, Italy, and Germany collectively accounted for over 60% of all new EU citizenships. Specifically:

• Spain: Awarded a substantial 240,200 citizenships, representing 22.9% of the EU total.
• Italy: Followed closely with 213,600 new citizens, accounting for 20.3% of the total.
• Germany: Granted 199,800 citizenships, making up 19% of the total.
• France: Awarded 97,300 citizenships, representing 9.3% of the total.
• Sweden: Awarded 67,800 citizenships, representing 6.5% of the total.

These figures underscore the popularity and accessibility of citizenship in these nations, making them prime destinations for those seeking long-term residency and integration.

Primary Recipients of EU Citizenship

The majority of new EU citizens were previously nationals of non-EU countries, comprising 87.6% of the total naturalizations. The leading groups were:

• Syrian Nationals: 107,500 individuals received EU citizenship.
• Moroccan Nationals: 106,500 individuals were naturalized.
• Albanian Nationals: 44,400 individuals became EU citizens.

These figures highlight the significant contributions of these communities to the EU’s cultural and social fabric.

Naturalization Rates Across the EU

Naturalization rates, indicating the number of citizenships granted per 100 non-national residents, varied across EU countries:

• Sweden: Led with a rate of 7.9 naturalizations per 100 non-national residents.
• Romania: Recorded a rate of 5.9.
• Italy: Had a rate of 4.1.

Conversely, the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia recorded the lowest naturalization rates, indicating varying approaches to citizenship acquisition.

• Lithuania: 0.1 naturalizations per 100 non-national residents.
• Latvia: 0.4 rate.
• Estonia: 0.5 rate.

Insights for Travellers and Residents

This surge in EU citizenship offers several key takeaways:

• Increased Integration: The rising number of new citizens suggests successful integration efforts across the EU.
• Demographic Shifts: The data highlights the evolving demographics of the EU, reflecting global migration patterns.
• Policy Variations: Naturalization rates vary significantly across member states, reflecting diverse citizenship policies.

For travellers, this information provides a glimpse into the diverse and evolving societies within the EU. Similaerly, those considering relocation, it offers valuable insights into the accessibility and pathways to citizenship.

For a comprehensive analysis and detailed statistics, readers are encouraged to consult Eurostat’s official reports.