Citizenship 32. An inclusive and non-discriminatory citizenship policy is an important aspect of integration policy. In addition, citizenship also has a symbolic value as a signal of common belonging on the part of both the holder and the granter of citizenship. In legal terms, citizenship (often also referred to as “nationality” in international documents) is “the legal bond between a person and a State and does not indicate the person’s ethnic origin”.72 However, citizenship has a relevance that goes beyond the individual dimension and has significance for society as a whole. Citizenship, and in particular access to it, is an essential element of integration. In designing citizenship policies, States should take into account the consequences that their decisions might have on the integration of their societies. In particular, citizenship policies should strive to find a balanced approach between the legitimate requirements of genuine and effective links to a State and the reality of multiple identities and residencies over time. For example, the regulation of multiple citizenships is an area where such a balance would need to be found.73 The importance of citizenship for integration is also apparent in its social and symbolic dimensions. It is a tangible signal of common belonging and of shared core values for both the holder of citizenship and the State granting it. The integration of society is facilitated by inclusive citizenship policies and rules that aim to welcome rather than exclude those who have a sense of belonging to that society. 72 73 40 European Convention on Nationality, article 2. See Guideline 37. Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies