Nationality and statelessness in Europe: European law on preventing and solving statelessness

Statelessness remains an issue of concern in Europe. Stateless people are without any nationality and often experience problems with accessing basic rights, despite the proclamation of human rights and a right to a nationality for all. Various attempts have been made to address statelessness specifically, for instance by the adoption of the United Nations Statelessness Conventions, but also by European regional cooperation mechanisms. This research therefore analyses and places into context the legal approaches that states have taken together in the context of the Council of Europe and the European Union to prevent and solve statelessness from a human rights perspective. In understanding the contribution of European law to preventing and solving statelessness, the study also reflects on what this adds to the legal concept of nationality and ways in which to move forward.