Some Maltese still think they must apply to become EU citizens, almost nine years after Malta became a member.

According to a Eurobarometer survey published in Brussels more than 20 per cent of Maltese respondents believe EU citizenship is not automatic.

EU citizenship is a term used for the citizens of member states and once a country joins the bloc, all its citizens automatically acquire the rights included in the EU treaty, including the right to free movement in all member states, non-discrimination on the basis of nationality and the right of protection by EU embassies worldwide.

However, although the majority of the 512 Maltese respondents said they were well informed about their EU rights, some doubted whether they were actually EU citizens.

Asked whether they had to apply for EU citizenship, 23 per cent of Maltese respondents said Yes, while another six per cent did not know.

The majority, 71 per cent, recognised they have been EU citizens for the past nine years.

Compared with the EU average, however, the Maltese seem to be more aware of their EU rights.

The survey, conducted in November by Misco, showed 87 per cent knew they could reside freely in any of EU member state and 90 per cent knew they were entitled to complain to the European Commission or the European Parliament if they felt an EU law was broken.

The results also showed that 73 per cent of Maltese respondents believe free movement across EU borders and into Malta benefits the economy.