Press Release: EU consular protection rules: better protection for European citizens abroad

After three years of negotiations, on 20 April 2015 the European Union Member States adopted the Directive on consular protection for European citizens living or travelling outside the European Union.

The agreement by the Council of the European Union clarifies when and how EU citizens in distress in a country outside the EU have the right to receive assistance from other EU countries' embassies or consulates.

The aim is to ease cooperation between consular authorities and strengthen European citizens' right to consular protection.

• Primary Source

Council of the European Union: IP/15/184, 20.04.15: EU citizens to enjoy improved access to consular protection abroad http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/04/20-eu-citizens-consular-protection/

ESO: Background information: [Home Affairs and] Foreign Affairs Council, 20 April 2015 http://www.europeansources.info/record/meeting-home-affairs-and-foreign-affairs-council-20-april-2015/

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