1. SummaryThere have been numerous contributions from academics to the widely debated topic of European citizenship. In his article Espen DH Olsen argues, unlike many others, “that the Maastricht Treaty was not year zero in the discourse on European citizenship” (Olsen 2008, p. 40). His study covers the period preceding the start of the general debate on European citizenship in the 1970s (cf. ibid, p. 41 et seq.). The main conclusion of the article states that European citizenship has existed since the starting point of European integration, the European coal project. and steel (ECCA). Olsen defines his concept of citizenship “as a status of individuals in relation to a political unit” (ibid, p. 41) which he divides into four dimensions “belonging, identity, rights and participation” (cf. ibid, p. 41 ). ). Following this research model, he then applies these dimensions to four milestones of European integration: "the ECSC, the Treaties of Rome, the case law of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the 1960s and the legislation on free circulation in the 1960s/1970s” (ibid., p.42). After applying each of the four dimensions to these events, Olsen concludes that his concept of European citizenship is found in each of these four cases and has been progressively strengthened (cf. ibid, p. 53, see table 2).2. Criticism Although Olsen's approach seems rather intriguing at first glance and the structure of his article is generally good and understandable, there are serious shortcomings in the application of his concept of European citizenship to the four instances. This will be clarified on three exemplary points of his argument. Due to the blast limitations for this item, this unfortunately cannot be done for all four dimensions. First, O...... middle of paper ......ly is not. Workers cannot in any way be considered citizens in general.3. Conclusion In the documents analyzed, individuals are mentioned as workers and as such, more or less accidentally, because they must have been included since the treaties relating to their industries, nevertheless the author of the article draws conclusions from these treaties that he can only explain by expanding his developed concept. of citizenship beyond its applicability. Olsen's conception of citizenship absolutely needs to be revised. Because of the confusion between the worker and the real citizen, his whole approach becomes useless and loses its relevance for interesting and important research on the topic of European citizenship. Works cited Olsen, Espen DH (2008): The origins of European citizenship over the first two decades of European integration. In: Journal of European Public Policy, Vol. 15:1. p. 40-57