How alarmed should we be about Europe's tightening citizenship rules?
Briefly

European countries are tightening their citizenship rules, reflecting a growing concern about immigration. Sweden proposed increasing the residency requirement to eight years and implementing language tests. Finland has similarly extended its residency requirement and altered absence rules. In Germany, new legislation seeks to eliminate fast-track citizenship for the highly integrated. Italy's referendum on easing restrictions failed, and Denmark has raised citizenship fees while scrutinizing applicants' political views. Norway's upcoming elections are also poised to influence citizenship policy. The rise of far-right sentiments across Europe adds further pressure to modify existing citizenship frameworks.
Several European countries, including Sweden and Finland, are tightening citizenship requirements, raising residency durations, and introducing stricter security checks amid growing concerns about immigration.
Denmark increased its citizenship fees and appointed experts to examine applicants’ political beliefs, signaling a comprehension shift towards a more stringent approach to naturalization.
Germany's new government is reversing certain citizenship reforms, indicating a broader trend within Europe of tightening regulations and increasing scrutiny surrounding foreign residents seeking citizenship.
The rise of far-right anti-immigration sentiment in countries like France is influencing citizenship policy, reflecting changing public attitudes and government responses to foreign residency.
Read at The Local Germany
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