Choose your language / Choisissez votre langue / Wählen Sie Ihre Sprache (26/01/2023)
Lire le bulletin en français ici. Sur la nouvelle page (en haut de la page) cliquez sur l'icône pour sélectionner la traduction française.
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A kind reminder: this newsletter has automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages. Want to switch languages? Click ‘more’ and select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated.
8th successful ECI submitted (26/01/2023)
Organisers of ‘Stop Finning – Stop the trade’ were the 8th group to submit a valid citizens’ initiative for reply from the Commission. They collected 1,119,996 valid signatures and reached the thresholds in 15 countries. They will meet with the European Commission in February and have a public hearing in the European Parliament by mid-April. The Commission’s reply is expected by 11 July.
Read the story of how the initiative collected more than 50% of their signatures in the last 20 days of the campaigning period in this ECI Forum blog. You can also listen to an interview on CitizenCentral podcast.
9th successful ECI submitted (26/01/2023)
Another successful citizens’ initiative was submitted on 25 January! Organisers of 'Save cruelty-free cosmetics – Commit to a Europe with animal testing’ collected 1,217,916 valid signatures and met the thresholds in 21 countries. They should meet with the European Commission in March and have a public hearing in the European Parliament by late April. The Commission is expected to answer the citizens’ initiative by 25 July.
On 12 January, the European Commission registered a new citizens’ initiative called ‘Article 4: Stop torture and inhuman treatment at Europe’s borders’. Initiative organisers call on the Commission to ensure that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is applied effectively, and that the use of violence, torture and inhumane and degrading treatment is banned at EU borders.
This is the 1st citizens’ initiative registered in 2023. Organisers have six months to start the collection of support – aiming for 1 million signatures from at least 7 EU countries.
New initiative open for signature collection (26/01/2023)
On 16 January, the citizens’ initiative ‘Call to achieve a tobacco-free environment and the first European tobacco-free generation by 2030’ opened its signature collection period. They have 1 year to collect 1 million signatures.
Click ‘more’ to learn about this initiative’s health and environmental objectives.
Germany lowers age to support European citizens’ initiatives (26/01/2023)
Good news for ECI supporters in Germany! German citizens can support European citizens’ initiatives from age 16, thanks to an amendment to the national provisions on the ECI. This change applies as of 1 January 2023 and impacts an estimated 1.3 million young Germans.
Germany is the sixth country to decide to lower the age requirements for those who want to support an ECI to below 18.
Commission addresses concerns of successful 'Save Bees and Farmers!' ECI in 'A New Deal for Pollinators' (26/01/2023)
On 24 January, the European Commission presented 'A New Deal for Pollinators' to tackle the alarming decline in wild pollinating insects in Europe, revising the 2018 EU Pollinators Initiative. Citizens have been increasingly calling for decisive action against pollinator loss, including through the recent successful European citizens' initiative 'Save bees and farmers!'.
Upcoming in 2023 (26/01/2023)
What can you expect from the European Citizens’ Initiative in 2023?
This year, as required by the ECI Regulation, the Commission is carrying out a review of the functioning of the European Citizens' Initiative and will present a report to the European Parliament and the Council before the end of 2023.
The Commission will also reply to three successful ECIs: to ‘Save bees and farmers’ in April, and to ‘Stop Finning – Stop the trade’ and ‘Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics’ in July.
Moreover, Europe Day (9 May) and the ECI Day (a conference hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee on 8 June in Brussels) are great moments to promote the European Citizens’ Initiative.
In addition, ECI materials for schools and a school competition will be released progressively throughout 2023.
Stay tuned for more information on specific promotion and events in 6 focus countries: Spain, Estonia, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.
New podcast episode – 'for animals, people and planet!’ (26/01/2023)
CitizenCentral podcast released a new episode with interviews from two European citizens’ initiative organisers. They present the ideas and stories behind ‘End the Slaughter Age’ and ‘Fur Free Europe’ initiatives.
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Inter Alia in Greece (26/01/2023)
We asked the team at Inter Alia, an Ambassador organisation in Greece, about their work. This is what they had to say:
“Inter Alia works to inspire social change and empower citizens to actively participate in decision-making processes. Being ECI Ambassadors means, for us, facilitating the creation of a transnational civic space, where civil society actors can connect to EU-wide allies and fight for common causes.
We have started by the easiest steps, namely sharing information on our social media channels: what an ECI is and how to create one, etc. Our 2023 objective is organising in-person events to reach more people and encourage them to support causes they care about, among others.”
One tip for others promoting the ECI: Try to be creative in diversifying the content you propose to your audience. Find interactive ways to promote the ECI, using call-to-action methods. Also, use social media to connect with your young audience!
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking ‘more’ below.
New blog post: Good Clothes, Fair Pay (30/01/2023)
“In just four days, a top fashion CEO earns what a garment worker in Bangladesh will earn in her entire lifetime,” writes Ciara Barry, quoting a 2018 study published by Oxfam.
This blog post outlines the key ideas for system change that the ‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay’ citizens’ initiative wants to achieve, and why a living wage is so important for the millions of people worldwide who make our clothing.
To read the article click ‘more’.
New guidance note: the Central Online Collection System (30/01/2023)
Check out the new Guidance Note on the Central Online Collection System with information for organisers about using this collection system. Information is available in all official EU languages.
Expert advice on the ECI: University presentations and online course (30/01/2023)
Interested in learning more about participatory democracy in Europe, or the process of developing a successful European citizens’ initiative? There are many ways to engage with ECI experts – via an online course or at your university.
The ECI Forum is also available to make a presentation for your university and exchange with students. More than 300 people took part last year. Contact the ECI Forum via eciforum@ecas.org.
New calls for proposals published under the CERV programme! (30/01/2023)
Would your organisation be interested in receiving EU funding?
Discover the new calls for proposals under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. For example: Call for proposals to promote civil society organisations’ awareness of, capacity building and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights or to promote equality and to fight against racism, xenophobia and discrimination.
Submission deadlines are in April, May and June.
Did you know…? (30/01/2023)
What is the process of getting an answer from the European Commission on a valid initiative?
Once the organiser group submits a valid initiative to the European Commission, a meeting is held within 1 month between the organisers and relevant Commission representatives. The content of the initiative is discussed to ensure the Commission has a clear understanding of the objectives.
Upon submission, EU institutions as well as all national parliaments in the EU are also informed. The European Parliament will contact the organiser group to organise a public hearing.
Within 6 months the Commission issues a communication stating the measures it plans to take, if any, as well as justifications, and a timeline for implementing the measures.
Learn more on our FAQ page.
European Parliament hearing on the ‘Save bees and farmers’ ECI (30/01/2023)
On 24 January, ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment' initiative organisers, scientists and farmers spoke in a public hearing at the European Parliament. The organisers reiterated the main demands of their campaign launched in 2019: to phase out the use of synthetic pesticides in EU agriculture by 80% by 2030 and to eliminate it by 2035, to take measures to restore biodiversity in agricultural areas and to support farmers in the transition to agroecology.
Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová and Commissioners Virginijus Sinkevičius and Janusz Wojciechowski, responsible, respectively, for Environment and Agriculture, participated in the hearing
Choose your language / Choisissez votre langue / Wählen Sie Ihre Sprache (21/12/2022)
Lire le bulletin en français ici. Sur la nouvelle page (en haut de la page) cliquez sur l'icône pour sélectionner la traduction française.
Lesen Sie hier den Newsletter auf Deutsch. Klicken Sie auf der neuen Seite (ganz oben) auf das Symbol, um die deutsche Übersetzung auszuwählen.
A kind reminder: this newsletter has automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages. Want to switch languages? Click ‘more’ and select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated.
Goodbye 2022... (21/12/2022)
It has been another busy year for the European Citizens’ Initiative. 10 new initiatives were registered, 10 opened for signature collection and 1 successful initiative was submitted to the Commission for examination and reply. In addition, many activities took place to spread the word to citizens across the EU (for example Member State events and the formation of the ECI communicators network), and more.
As the year comes to a close, we’d like to thank everyone who has helped support the European Citizens' Initiative grow this year: the organisers – past and present – who spread their passion to help every European participate in democracy. To the supporters – who sign ECIs and share information about this right we all hold. To the teams of people behind the scenes – at the EU institutions, ECI Forum, ECI Ambassadors and partners, and those in the individual campaigns. Thank you!
We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday period, time with your loved ones, and a great start to 2023. We are gearing up for a new year filled with more successful initiatives and a common space to share updates online!
Be well and #EUTakeTheInitiative!
Hello 2023! (21/12/2022)
Looking forward to the new year, here are a few things to keep an eye out for:
- April: the Commission’s reply to ‘Save bees and farmers’ ECI
- May: Europe Day (9/5) – a great time to promote the European Citizens’ Initiative locally
- June: ECI Day (8/6) – hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee
- June: ECI presence at the European Youth Event (EYE) (9-10/6) in Strasbourg, France
This year, as required by the ECI Regulation, the Commission is carrying out a review of the functioning of the European Citizens' Initiative and will present a report to the European Parliament and the Council before the end of 2023.
In addition, ECI materials for schools and a school competition will be released progressively throughout 2023.
Stay tuned for more information on specific promotion and events in 6 focus countries: Estonia, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain and Sweden.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (21/12/2022)
To be considered by the European Commission, citizens’ initiatives require 1 million valid signatures. Initiatives collecting over 1 million signatures should submit the statements of support for verification to national authorities.
Several initiatives reached the following significant milestones.
Visit our website to learn more about all ongoing initiatives.
'Save bees and farmers!' as the subject of the first EESC opinion on a successful ECI (21/12/2022)
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted at its December plenary an own-initiative opinion on "European Citizens Initiative - Save bees and farmers", thus contributing to the ongoing interinstitutional debate on the latest successful ECI and its objectives.
Read the full EESC opinion by clicking 'more’.
Citizen survey: Share your opinion (21/12/2022)
We invite you to tell us more about your experiences with the ECI and yourself!
A short citizen survey about the European Citizens’ Initiative is live. Share your views today, in the language of your choice. The results will feed into the Commission’s review of the functioning of the ECI. Questions cover a variety of topics – from knowledge of how the ECI works to whether you have ever wanted to start a new ECI, and more.
We look forward to your feedback!
New calls for proposals published under the CERV programme! (21/12/2022)
Would your organisation be interested in receiving EU funding?
Discover the new calls for proposals under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. For example: Call for proposals to promote civil society organisations’ awareness of, capacity building and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights or to promote equality and to fight against racism, xenophobia and discrimination.
European Parliament hearing on the ‘Save bees and farmers’ ECI (24/01/2023)
On 24 January, the organiser group of the ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment' citizens’ initiative will feature in a public hearing at the European Parliament. Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová and Commissioners Virginijus Sinkevičius and Janusz Wojciechowski, responsible, respectively, for Environment and Agriculture, will attend, alongside MEPs and experts.
You can watch the hearing live.
More information and the hyperlink to follow live will be shared in the news of the ECI homepage before the hearing starts.
New podcast episode – 3 organisers interviewed (21/12/2022)
New video about the Central Online Collection System (21/12/2022)
Check out a new video about the Central Online Collection System (COCS) - featuring Jerôme Stefanini, the IT officer responsible for the system at the Commission and ECI organisers.
Coming soon in 2023: a Guidance Note on the Central Online Collection System with information for organisers about using this collection system.
Recap of ECI Forum activities in 2022 (21/12/2022)
The ECI Forum also conducted 7 training sessions with newly registered ECIs and presented the ECI Forum to 11 universities, reaching over 340 students.
Did you know…? Central Online Collection System (21/12/2022)
The central online collection system (COCS) becomes the sole way to collect statements of support online for initiatives registered after 1 January 2023. It is offered as a free, easy and reliable service. The European Commission has many resources for organisers to familiarise themselves with the system.
Check out the new ECI Forum video or the ECI website (click ‘more’).
Lire le bulletin en français ici. Sur la nouvelle page (en haut de la page) cliquez sur l'icône pour sélectionner la traduction française.
Lesen Sie hier den Newsletter auf Deutsch. Klicken Sie auf der neuen Seite (ganz oben) auf das Symbol, um die deutsche Übersetzung auszuwählen.
Click 'more' to read in your language. / Fai clic su "more" per leggere nella tua lingua. / Haga clic en 'more' para leer en su idioma. / Kliknij „more”, aby przeczytać w swoim języku. / Faceți clic pe „more” pentru a citi în limba dvs.
A kind reminder: this newsletter has automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages. Want to switch languages? Click ‘more’ and select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated.
‘Save bees and farmers!’ organisers meet with European Commission (29/11/2022)
Organisers of the European citizens' initiative ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment' met with representatives from the European Commission (Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency; Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, and high-level officials from DG Environment, Health and Food Safety and DG Agriculture and Rural Development) on 25 November.
The organisers presented the objectives of the initiative in depth and answered questions from the Commission, after becoming the 7th successful ECI on 10 October.
The Commission will analyse the initiative and has until 7 April 2023 to present its official reply.
New Initiative registered – 'European Day of “Whatever it Takes”’ (29/11/2022)
In reference to the statement made by the former President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, on 26 July 2012, the initiative organisers call for the institutionalisation of the European Day of “Whatever it Takes” as a ‘symbolic act of pan Europeanism'. The organisers aim to mark a chapter of “EU's functional resiliency and core capabilities for institutions, nations and societies to drive progress while sailing times of multiple-crisis management”.
Open for signature collection: ‘Protect the EU’s Rural Heritage’ (29/11/2022)
Organisers of the ‘Protect the EU’s Rural Heritage, Food Security and Supply’ initiative launched their signature collection period on 2 November. They have 12 months to collect 1 million signatures.
This initiative calls on the Commission to modernise its rural commitments to food security, the supply of agriculture materials and the protection of the values and livelihoods of a rural way of life.
Closed for signatures: ‘Return the Plastics’ initiative (29/11/2022)
On 19 November the signature collection period ended for ‘ReturnthePlastics: A Citizen’s Initiative to implement an EU-wide deposit-system to recycle plastic bottles’.
Upcoming deadlines:
- The initiative ‘Call to Action – Environmental protection in all policies’ will close on 7 December.
Court judgment on the Commission communication in reply to the ECI ‘Minority SafePack’ (29/11/2022)
On 9 November, the Court of Justice of the EU confirmed that the Commission has not committed any infringements in its communication which stated that no further legislation was necessary at that stage to achieve the objectives sought by the ECI ‘Minority SafePack – one million signatures for diversity in Europe’. It dismissed the ECI organiser group’s action for annulment of that communication.
Click ‘more’ to read the press release from the Court of Justice.
eID signatures available for 3 more Member States (29/11/2022)
In the past month, three countries (Austria, Malta and Sweden) have activated the option for signature collection via the national electronic identity card (eID) system. This brings the total number of countries accepting eID to sign European citizens’ initiatives to 16.
Completing the form automatically with eID not only saves you time, but it ensures that data is correct – reducing the possibility of human error. This is important when the national authorities need to verify the 1 million+ signatures collected, before organisers can officially submit the initiative.
Citizen surveys: Share your opinion (29/11/2022)
Would you tell us more about your experiences with the ECI and yourself?
We have launched a short citizens’ survey about the European Citizens’ Initiative. Share your views today, in the language of your choice. The results will feed into the Commission’s review of the functioning of the ECI. Questions cover a variety of topics – from knowledge of how the ECI works to whether you have ever wanted to start a new ECI, and more.
We look forward to your feedback!
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Welcome to 4 new Ambassadors (29/11/2022)
Four organisations have joined the ECI Ambassador programme in the past weeks. Welcome to Mihnea Chirila (GEYC – Romania), Monika Slaninová (Europe Direct Banskobystrický region – Slovakia), Mario Villamor Nodal (Europe Direct Ciudad Real - Spain) and Francesco Castiglione (Europe Direct Fyrbodal - Sweden).
About joining: “As a young volunteer who enjoys meeting and working with new people from diverse backgrounds, I've grown an interest in the European space, active participation, and involving youth in the European community. Joining the ECI Ambassador programme will improve cooperation and visibility at local and European levels.” - Mihnea
The ECI Communicators Network continues to grow. Around 60 people joined the online gathering on 15 November to discuss creative ways of communicating about the ECI. Members of this network include ECI Ambassadors, National Contact Points, Europe Direct centres and partners from various EU Institutions.
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking ‘more’ below.
Insider tip – messages that matter (29/11/2022)
The next time someone asks you “what can I achieve by starting or supporting an ECI?” , here is one way to respond:
“The European Citizens’ Initiative helps bring causes you care about to the EU level. You can spark debate, raise awareness and trigger policy change in the EU.”
More facts and communication tips can be found in a powerpoint presentation added to the Communication Material page in October. Find out ‘more’.
New blog posts & ideas shared on ECI Forum (29/11/2022)
The latest discussion threads in the Forum ‘Discuss’ section cover the topics of ideas for new ECIs, participatory democracy and the energy crisis. Discuss with your fellow citizens here and check out other blog posts by clicking ‘more’.
Online course (29/11/2022)
Interested in learning more about the process and practice of developing a successful European Citizens’ Initiative?
Click 'more' to check out the interactive online course: Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers.
University presentations: Learn about the ECI (29/11/2022)
Over 300 students have attended sessions organised by the ECI Forum throughout the year. ECI experts take the opportunity to discuss the potential of participatory democracy in Europe generally, and the ECI as an important tool more specifically.
Would you like us to make a presentation at your university? Contact the ECI Forum via eciforum@ecas.org.
Did you know…? From our FAQs (29/11/2022)
What happens directly after a European citizens’ initiative reaches 1 million verified signatures?
First, the organisers have 3 months’ time to deliver the encrypted statements of support to the competent national authorities. These authorities check and verify the signature thresholds have been met in a country. Within 3 months, they issue a certificate with the verified numbers for the organisers. The organisers then have a 3-month timeframe (starting when the last certificate is received) to submit their initiative to the European Commission. The signatures are not submitted, rather the certificates from the national authorities.
The submission step then launches the 6-month ‘getting an answer’ phase in which initiative organisers and the European Commission meet, and a hearing is held at the European Parliament.
Choose your language / Choisissez votre langue / Wählen Sie Ihre Sprache (26/10/2022)
Lire le bulletin en français ici. Sur la nouvelle page, cliquez sur l'icône pour sélectionner la traduction française.
Lesen Sie hier den Newsletter auf Deutsch. Klicken Sie auf der neuen Seite auf das Symbol, um die deutsche Übersetzung auszuwählen.
Click 'more' to read in your language. / Fai clic su "more" per leggere nella tua lingua. / Haga clic en 'more' para leer en su idioma. / Kliknij „more”, aby przeczytać w swoim języku. / Faceți clic pe „more” pentru a citi în limba dvs.
A kind reminder: this newsletter has automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages. Want to switch languages? Click ‘more’ and select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated.
We hope you enjoy!
7th successful initiative – ‘Save bees and farmers!’ (26/10/2022)
'Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment' became the 7th successful European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) on 10 October. It has reached 1,054,973 validated statements of support from EU citizens, with thresholds attained in 11 countries.
The initiative calls on the Commission to propose legal measures to phase out synthetic pesticides by 2035, to restore biodiversity and to support farmers in this transition.
Organisers will meet with the Commission to discuss the initiative in the coming weeks. A public hearing will also be organised by the European Parliament. The Commission has until 7 April 2023 to present its official reply, outlining the actions it intends to take.
New Initiative registered – 'European citizens’ initiative for VEGAN MEAL’ (26/10/2022)
Organisers call on the Commission to present a proposal requiring private and public places selling food and drinks in Europe to always and explicitly make a vegan alternative available.
Press ‘more’ for the press release.
Open for signatures – 'Focus on Specific Learning Disabilities’ (26/10/2022)
On 27 October, the ‘Focus on Specific Learning Disabilities on EU Level’ initiative opened its signature collection. Organisers call on the Commission to present a proposal for common European guidelines on how to detect and address learning disabilities, and to ensure a better integration of people with such disabilities within educational systems.
Citizen survey: Share your opinion (26/10/2022)
Would you tell us more about your experiences with the ECI and yourself?
We have launched a short citizens’ survey about the European Citizens’ Initiative. Its results will feed into the Commission’s review of the functioning of the ECI. Questions cover a variety of topics – from knowledge of how the ECI works to whether you have ever wanted to start a new ECI, and more.
Share your views today, in the language of your choice, by clicking ‘more’.
ECI at the Thessaloniki Film Festival (03/11/2022)
Between 3 and 13 November attendees of the Thessaloniki Film Festival can watch the new ECI video in person.
ECI at the Korzo Národní (17/11/2022)
For those in Czechia, don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the ECI at Korzo Národní on 17 November. An ECI Ambassador will be present to meet you at the ECI stand!
New ECI video (26/10/2022)
Focusing on your right to engage in topics that matter to you, this new video explains how the ECI can help citizens get involved at EU level. Available with subtitles [CC] in all official EU languages – check it out on our homepage or the Audiovisual portal by clicking ‘more’.
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Meet Despina and Nikos from I.R.T.E.A. (Greece) (26/10/2022)
The Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs (I.R.T.E.A.) from Greece joined the ECI Ambassador programme earlier this year and is represented by Despina Papadaki and Nikos Antonakakis.
I.R.T.E.A. promotes innovative actions and policies on European issues, including open dialogue between Greek civil society and EU officials. They have given presentations to more than 500 young people this year. “As part of our work with young people, we make a link to the ECI – citing it as a ‘good practice’. We have noticed that citizens often hesitate before embracing digital participatory tools, but once they know about the importance of the ECI, they are eagerly waiting for the next initiative.”
One tip for communicating about the ECI: “Stay consistent! People need and want to be informed by us at every step of ECI, otherwise they won’t engage.”
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking ‘more’ below.
Insider tip – messages that matter (26/10/2022)
Only 2 in 5 EU citizens has heard of the European Citizens’ Initiative (Eurobarometer, 2021). So the next time someone asks you “what is the ECI?”, here is one way to respond:
“The European Citizens’ Initiative is a participatory democracy tool that gives EU citizens the right to have a say in EU policies that affect them. You have the right to sign any open citizens’ initiative or start one. Check out the current initiatives.”
More facts and communication tips can be found in a powerpoint presentation added to the Communication Material page in October. Find out ‘more’.
ECI experts Elisa Lironi and Daniela Vancic present THE skills that make a good ECI organiser great and answer participants’ questions. This webinar relates to the online course: Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers. The interactive course helps you learn about the process and practice of developing successful ECIs.
Learn about the ECI at your university (26/10/2022)
The ECI Forum continues to directly engage with university students. In an online lecture, ECI experts discuss the potential of participatory democracy in Europe generally, and the ECI as an important tool more specifically. More than 200 students attended sessions organised in the past year.
An upcoming exchange is scheduled with students from the University of Gothenburg.
Would you like us to make a presentation at your university? Contact the ECI Forum via eciforum@ecas.org.
Did you know…? From our FAQs (26/10/2022)
What are the requirements to submit a valid initiative to the European Commission?
Once an organiser group receives the last certificate of valid signatures from the national competent authorities, the group has 3 months to submit their initiative to the European Commission. You are required to send the submission form via your organiser account. You must also include copies of all the certificates from the national authorities that confirm you’ve collected the minimum number of signatures. Delivering all the individual signatures to the Commission is NOT required.
Language settings: lire en français / auf Deutsch lesen / leer en español ... (29/09/2022)
Dear readers,
On 7 and 28 September the European Commission registered three new European citizens’ initiatives. Discover them below.
A kind reminder: this newsletter has automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages. Want to switch languages? Click here to select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated.
We hope you enjoy!
New Initiative registered – Every European House equipped with 1 kw photovoltaic and 0.6 kw wind turbines (29/09/2022)
On 7 September, the Commission registered a new citizens initiative called ‘Every European house equipped with 1 kw photovoltaic and 0.6 kw wind turbines using EU funding’ which aims to reduce the CO2 footprint of each household and change public perception on green energy.
As of 30 September, this initiative is open for signatures. Find out more in the press release.
New Initiative registered – Protect the EU’s Rural Heritage, Food Security and Supply (29/09/2022)
A second citizens’ initiative was registered on 7 September, titled ‘Protect the EU’s Rural Heritage, Food Security and Supply’. Organisers call on the Commission to modernise its rural commitments to food security, the supply of agriculture materials and the protection of the values and livelihoods of a rural way of life.
Organisers have 6 months to start the collection of support – aiming for 1 million signatures from at least 7 EU countries. Click ‘more’ to read the press release.
New Initiative registered – Focus on Specific Learning Disabilities on EU Level (29/09/2022)
On 28 September, the Commission registered the 8th European citizens’ initiative in 2022. The ‘Focus on Specific Learning Disabilities on EU Level’ initiative requests the Commission to facilitate access to education of people with specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia). Organisers call on the Commission to present a proposal for common guidelines on how to detect and address learning disabilities, and to ensure a better integration of people with such disabilities within the educational system.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (29/09/2022)
To be considered by the European Commission, citizens’ initiatives require 1 million valid signatures. Initiatives collecting over 1 million signatures should submit the statements of support for verification to national authorities.
Several initiatives reached the following significant milestones.
Visit our website to learn more about all ongoing initiatives. Two initiatives close on 4 October (‘Ban Fossil Fuel Advertising and Sponsorships’ and ‘Civil Servant Exchange Programme’).
‘Voters without Borders’ ECI speaks at the European Parliament (29/09/2022)
The Committee of Petitions of the European Parliament listened to a presentation from a representative of the closed initiative 'Voters without Borders' during its 8 September meeting.
Watch the recording by clicking ‘more’.
New episode! CitizenCentral podcast (29/09/2022)
In a new episode of CitizenCentral podcast we talk with several young Europeans under 26 years old! They share how they feel about voting, EU policymaking, citizen activism and the European Citizens’ Initiative. We also talk to the (young) organisers of the ‘Ending the aviation fuel tax exemption in Europe’ initiative, and two experts.
Upcoming Webinar – Essential skills for organisers (19/10/2022)
What are the essential skills for organising a European citizens' initiative?
Join us on 19 October (12:30-13:30 CET) as ECI experts Elisa Lironi and Daniela Vancic present THE skills that make a good ECI organiser great. Elisa and Daniela have been supporting ECI organisers since 2015, and this webinar builds on the ECI Forum's interactive online course 'Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers'.
This interactive online course gives participants the opportunity to learn at their own pace, under the guidance of experts in the field.
To register for a space, please send an email to: ECIforum@ecas.org
ECI at LevelUp! In Brussels (28/10/2022)
LevelUp! is a 2-day event organised by the European Youth Forum at the European Parliament in Brussels. 1,200 young change makers are invited to develop their advocacy, organising and communication skills – and to stop by the ECI stand! You can put your knowledge to the test, speak with ECI Ambassadors and more on 28-29 October.
ECI at the Thessaloniki Film Festival (04/11/2022)
Between 4-14 November attendees of the Thessaloniki Film Festival can watch the new ECI video in person.
Read other blog posts on the ECI Forum by clicking ‘more’.
Did you know…? From our FAQs (29/09/2022)
What are the requirements to form a group of ECI organisers? “7 EU citizens” is only part of the answer. Do they need to be 7 different nationalities, or reside in 7 different countries? Are any people excluded?
In fact, an organiser group must contain at least 7 EU citizens old enough to vote in European Parliament elections and living in at least 7 different EU countries. People with the same nationality can be part of an organiser group – as long as they live in different countries. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) cannot be part of the group of 7.
Online ECI Model – listen to a mock ECI European Parliament hearing (14/10/2022)
The University of Göttingen will host the second ECI Model from 11 to 15 October 2022 in the context of the Erasmus+ project ECI from A to Z. Students from the universities of Coimbra, Iasi, Vigo, and Göttingen will participate in a simulation of the submission process of a European Citizens’ Initiative, the public hearing with the European Parliament, and the meeting with the European Commission. The event is part of the Erasmus Days ‘Democracy Live’. Anyone is welcome to join online the public hearing session on the ECI from A to Z Facebook page on Friday, 14 October, starting at 10:00 CET.
Read about the previous edition of the ‘ECI from A to Z’ project in this blog article.
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Meet Yilly Pacheco, ECI from A to Z (30/09/2022)
We asked Yilly, one of our new ECI Ambassadors, about her work. This is what she had to say:
“With my team from the Erasmus+ Project “ECI from A to Z,” we promote civic engagement and active citizenship in the universities of Göttingen (Germany), Coimbra (Portugal), Vigo (Spain), and Iasi (Romania) by offering online and on-site training about the European Citizens’ Initiative to students from bachelor and master programs. We also develop peer-learning activities to discuss key topics in the EU agenda, conduct research, and more.
I want to engage new universities from all over Europe and replicate our project in different countries. As an ECI Ambassador, I also want to be a contact point for academia, civil society and ECI-related institutions to spread the word on ECI in different sectors.”
One tip for communicating about the ECI: “Keep talking! The first challenge we have regarding ECI is to overcome the awareness gap: to empower people by making them aware of their role as citizens in the EU! The message is clear: ECI exists; you count; your opinion matters. Take the initiative!”
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking ‘more’ below.
We hope you have had relaxing summer holidays. Below you will find a recap of ECI updates from July and August, as well as events for the autumn. Catch up on the latest blogs and read about the newest citizens’ initiative.
Reminder: this newsletter has automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages. Want to switch languages? Click here to select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated. We hope you enjoy!
Open for signatures – Good clothes, Fair pay (30/08/2022)
‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay’ initiative organisers started the signature collection period on 19 July. The organisers have 6 objectives for legislation requiring companies in the garment and footwear sector to carry out due diligence in respect of living wages in their supply chains.
New Initiative registered – Tobacco-free environment and first European tobacco-free generation by 2030 (30/08/2022)
On 24 August, the Commission registered another European citizens’ initiative. The ‘Call to achieve a tobacco-free environment and the first European tobacco-free generation by 2030’ requests the Commission to propose legal acts that end the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to citizens born since 2010. The initiative also invites specific measures to achieve tobacco-free and butts-free beaches, riverbanks and national parks, to extend outdoor vapor-free spaces, and to further restrict tobacco advertising.
This is the 5th citizens’ initiative registered in 2022. Organisers have 6 months to start the collection of support.
5 initiatives closed over the summer (30/08/2022)
The ‘Save cruelty free cosmetics’ initiative will close its signature collection at midnight (CET) on 31 August.
Other initiatives closed in the summer:
- ‘European EcoScore’
- ‘Civil society initiative for a ban on biometric mass surveillance practices’ (Reclaim Your Face)
- ‘Right to Cure’
- ‘ECI for Unconditional Basic Income’
Some initiative organisers have shared the impact and outcomes of their efforts, despite not reaching 1 million signatures. Read about experiences of ‘Reclaim Your Face’, ‘ECI for Unconditional Basic Income’, and ‘Voters Without Borders’. These initiatives examine their political power during the ECI experience and look forward to what happens next.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (30/08/2022)
To be considered by the European Commission, citizens’ initiatives require 1 million valid signatures. Initiatives collecting over 1 million signatures should submit the statements of support for verification to national authorities.
Several initiatives reached the following significant milestones.
If you’d like to support any of the ongoing initiatives, please visit our website.
WATCH: 10 years of ECI (30/08/2022)
The European Economic and Social Committee made a video to showcase 10 years of the ECI. Check it out on our history page. Pay attention – former organisers and avid ECI supporters might catch a glimpse of themselves!
ECI at the Prinsjesfestival, the Hague (17/09/2022)
On 17 September you can meet with ECI representatives at the PrinsjesMarkt in The Hague, Netherlands. Take our quiz, learn about ongoing initiatives and share your ideas.
ECI at the Cyprus Forum (29/09/2022)
For those in Cyprus, don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the ECI at the Cyprus Forum on 29 and 30 September. High-level speeches on citizens’ participation in democracy will be given by EU representatives, and ECI Ambassadors will be present to meet you at the ECI stand! Book your ticket now.
Upcoming Webinar – Essential skills for organisers (19/10/2022)
What are the essential skills for organising a European citizens' initiative?
Join us in October as ECI experts Elisa Lironi and Daniela Vancic present THE skills that make a good ECI organiser great. Elisa and Daniela have been supporting ECI organisers since 2015, and this webinar builds on the ECI Forum's online course 'Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers'.
Date: Wednesday, 19 October 12:30 – 13:30 CET. To register for a space, please send an email to: ECIforum@ecas.org
CitizenCentral podcast is back for season 2 (30/08/2022)
Join us as we meet Europeans in search of sustainable solution in a new episode of “CitizenCentral”! ‘ReturnThePlastics’ and ‘Green VAT’ ECIs are featured in the episode, as well as climate and sustainability experts.
Tell us what you think about the podcast series in this survey.
Test your knowledge with the ECI quiz! (30/08/2022)
Challenge yourself or engage your audience with a short quiz on the ECI! This 7-question quiz is now available on the website in all official EU languages.
Will you get a perfect score?
New blog posts (30/08/2022)
Check out several new blog posts on the ECI Forum! In Make it Known, Make it Fun, Show Them the Impact! you can read about a workshop held during ECI Day 2022, when ECI organisers, policy experts and practitioners discussed ideas for connecting young people to the ECI.
Read other blog posts on the ECI Forum by clicking ’more’.
ECI online course – at your own pace (30/08/2022)
Do you want to learn more about the process and practice of developing a successful European citizens’ initiative?
Check out the upgraded online course: ‘Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers’.
This interactive online course gives participants the opportunity to learn at their own pace, under the guidance of experts in the field.
New ideas shared on ECI Forum (30/08/2022)
Are you interested in knowing what European citizens are discussing – in relation to ECIs and EU policies? Join the ECI Forum. The latest discussion threads cover the topics on the role of parliament in the digital age, participatory democracy and migration and discrimination. Discuss with your fellow citizens here.
Did you know…? From our FAQs (30/08/2022)
Do you know what ideas are eligible to become European citizens’ initiatives?
An idea must be within the competences of the EU – as defined in Articles 2-6 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union. For example, you can propose ideas linked to consumer protection, energy, transport, research and innovation, humanitarian aid and development cooperation, education and youth, non-discrimination, and more!
Check out this infographic, and for a full list, click ‘more’ below.
1 initiative registered and 3 closed for signatures in June (24/06/2022)
The Commission registered a new European citizens' initiative entitled ‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay’ on 1 June. Initiative organisers call for legislation requiring companies in the garment and footwear sector to carry out due diligence in respect of living wages in their supply chains. They announced that they will open signature collection on 19 July. Learn more about the initiative’s 6 objectives.
One initiative decided to withdraw from collecting before the official closing date: ‘Freedom to Share’.
European citizens’ initiatives feed policy proposal on pesticides use (24/06/2022)
On 22 June the Commission made a proposal for renewed pesticides rules to meet the goal of reducing by 50% the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030. It drew inspiration, among others, from two European citizens’ initiatives (each with more than 1 million signatures) and citizens’ proposals at the Conference on the Future of Europe, mentioned in the proposal's foreword.
These were, on one hand, the successful 2017 ‘Ban glyphosate and protect people and the environment from toxic pesticides’ initiative with a view for a pesticide-free future, and on another, the initiative ‘Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment’ (under verification of signatures by Member States authorities) aiming to phase out synthetic pesticides in EU agriculture by 2035.
Watch the recording of the press conference by clicking ‘more’.
New update of the Central Online Collection System (24/06/2022)
The Central Online Collection System has new features to improve functionality for ECI organisers. The sample social media messages have more formatting options, and the initiatives’ logos can be displayed in Facebook messages. In addition, organisers can easily download the latest metrics, find translations added in the user feedback pages and there is better guidance for citizens entering an incorrect postal code.
Finally, feedback shared in a survey by people supporting the initiatives will allow the Commission to prepare other future improvements. The majority of open initiatives use COCS, and all new initiatives registered from 1 January 2023 will be required to use it.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (24/06/2022)
The organisers of European citizens’ initiatives are obliged to inform the European Commission of the number of collected statements of support (both online and on paper) at least every two months. This information is then made visible on our website.
Congratulations to those organisers whose initiatives reached certain milestones recently:
If you’d like to support any of the ongoing initiatives, please visit our website.
ECI Day 2022 highlights (24/06/2022)
The 2022 edition of the ECI Day, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee and its partners on 2 June, focused on the theme "European Citizens' Initiative 10 years on: ready for the future?".
The workshop on the Central Online Collection System (COCS) allowed to present new features of the COCS and to collect feedback from users and stakeholders for the continuous improvement of the system. The workshop on 'Successful initiatives: when NGOs across the EU unite for a common cause' gave several insights into civil society's engagement with the ECI.
Read more in the conclusions prepared by the European Economic and Social Committee, or watch the full recording.
Meet the ECI in France! (29/06/2022)
The ECI is being featured at several festivals in France this summer!
If you’re in Marseille for the Delta festival - a three-day music, sport, and arts festival – you can visit the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) stand and learn more about how to actively get involved in participatory democracy in the EU. Come meet ECI Ambassadors from Mouvement Europeen and Democratie Ouverte who will share their experience and answer your questions, challenge your friends to the ECI quiz, and learn how the ECI can help you have a say on issues that matter for Europe and the world.
The ECI will also be present at the European Commission’s stands at the Les Eurokeennes (Belfort, 30 June – 3 July), Vieilles Charrues (Carhaix, Bretagne, 14-17 July), and Rock En Seine (Saint-Cloud, Île-de-France, 25-28 August) festivals.
Upcoming ECI Forum webinar – effective campaigning (06/07/2022)
Interested in learning how to do effective campaigning during challenging times due to external circumstances?
Join us online Wednesday, 6 July as communication expert, John Holland, and ECI organiser from ‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’ , Nils Kluger, share their expertise and experiences. Starting at 12:30 CET – this webinar lasts 1 hr 15 min.
To register to this webinar please send an email to: ECIforum@ecas.org
Find further information on the webinar by clicking ‘more’ below.
The ECI is coming to Denmark and the Netherlands! (24/06/2022)
Mark your calendars for two more opportunities to meet the ECI in person this summer! Currently confirmed opportunities include:
The Prinsjesfestival – 14-15 September in The Hague, Netherlands
More information will be added to the ECI website in due time.
New podcast series in preparation - share your views! (24/06/2022)
With 7 episodes released in season 1 and production for season 2 kicking off, we invite you to share your views on the 'CitizenCentral' podcast. This survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes and is open until 15 July – click more below.
Calling on CSOs for feedback (24/06/2022)
Summer survey! If you’re a civil society representative, we want to know your organisation’s perspectives about the European Citizens’ Initiative. We only need 5 minutes of your time. Click ‘more’ below.
Online course (24/06/2022)
Curious to learn more about the process and practice of developing a successful European citizens’ initiative?
Check out the new and improved online course: Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers (click more below). This interactive online course gives participants the opportunity to learn under the guidance of experts in the field.
Check out the new blog post on the ECI Forum: "Young Italians Test the European Citizens Initiative as a Tool to Mobilise for the Climate” . Maria Pia Napoletano, a youth professional and coordinator of the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) initiative, outlines how participants learned about the ECI and simulated starting their own initiatives during the workshop.
This event was a part of the #TheGreenTrack campaign, launched in 2022 by the European Commission to amplify youth voices and participation in relation to environmental issues, and organised by YEA.
Check out other blog posts on the ECI Forum by ECI organisers and experts: https://europa.eu/citizens-initiative-forum/blog_en
Updated infographic: Data from the ECI (24/06/2022)
The ECI Forum has updated an infographic where you can find interesting facts and figures on citizens’ initiatives between 2012 and 2022, their organisers (country of origin and residence, age) or funding.
For instance, did you know that more than 1.4 million people - in Germany, France and Italy alone -signed ECIs through the Central Online Collection System between January 2020 and May 2022? Find more figures in the PDF by clicking ‘more’.
Belgium – the fifth country to allow supporting ECIs below the age of 18 (27/06/2022)
Minimum age to support European citizens’ initiatives corresponds to the age to be entitled to vote in elections to the European Parliament. Belgium has lowered the minimum voting age for these elections from 18 to 16 for all EU citizens living in the country. This measure will enter into force on 1 May 2023. As of this moment, young people aged 16-18 will also be able to support European citizens’ initiatives.
Open for signature collection: ‘Fur Free Europe’ (25/05/2022)
Organisers of the ‘Fur Free Europe’ initiative launched their signature collection period on 18 May. They now have 1 year to collect 1 million signatures.
This initiative asks the Commission to prohibit the keeping and killing of animals for fur production and to stop products containing farmed animal fur from entering the EU market.
Read more about the organisers’ objectives by clicking ‘more’.
Read this newsletter in all official EU languages! (25/05/2022)
Dear readers,
This newsletter has a new feature – automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages! Want to switch languages? Click here to select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Make sure to look for the icon similar to the picture here.
Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated and a few technical bugs are still being worked out!
Discover the European Citizens’ Initiative – recording available (25/05/2022)
Fear not if you missed the webinar “Discover the European Citizens’ Initiative” on Tuesday, 3 May.
We had a nice turnout of people from across Europe. Speakers Silvia Kersemakers (European Commission) and Elisa Lironi (European Citizen Action Service) gave an overview of the rights the ECI offers, and the assistance provided by the ECI Forum. Initiative organisers Marina Konstantinidi (ReturnthePlastics), Michele Gianella (Start UBI throughout the EU), Elsa Kraemer (European EcoScore) and Olga Kikou (End the Cage Age) spoke about their respective ambitions and experiences.
The event was recorded as part of the European Commission Open Days online. Watch the recording and view the presentation slides by clicking ‘more’ below.
ECI at the Commission’s Open Day 2022 (25/05/2022)
The European Citizens’ Initiative helped welcome visitors to the European Commission’s Open Day on 7 May. Visitors could take a short quiz on the ECI (currently available in EN/FR/DE/NL, with more languages coming soon), look at ongoing initiatives on the homepage and ask questions to the Commissions’ team working on the ECI.
The Commission’s headquarters was visited by over 8,000 people. In addition to learning about the EU in general (and the ECI in particular!), participants had the opportunity to interact with ‘Youth,’ ‘Green’ and ‘Digital’ thematic areas, test their knowledge with quizzes, watch live music and dance performances, and more.
Newly updated online course on the European Citizens’ Initiative (30/05/2022)
Interested in learning how to develop a successful European Citizens’ Initiative?
Check out the newly updated online course: ‘Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers'.
The course provides participants with an opportunity to learn about the process and practice of developing European citizens’ initiatives in an interactive online environment, under the guidance of established experts.
Successful participants will receive a Certificate upon completion of the course.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (30/05/2022)
The organisers of European citizens’ initiatives are obliged to inform the European Commission of the number of collected statements of support (both online and on paper) at least every two months. This information is then made visible on our website.
Congratulations to those organisers whose initiatives reached certain milestones recently:
If you’d like to support any of the ongoing initiatives, please visit our website.
The ECI Forum reaches out to universities (30/05/2022)
The ECI Forum continues to directly engage with young people – in May with students at the University of Latvia. The ECI Forum discussed the potential of participatory democracy in Europe generally, and the ECI as a tool more specifically. The next exchange is with students from the University of Wroclaw (Poland).
Would you like us to make a presentation at your university and exchange with you and other students? Contact the ECI Forum via eciforum@ecas.org
New ideas shared on ECI Forum (30/05/2022)
Interested in knowing what EU citizens are discussing about? Join the ECI Forum and check the latest discussion threads covering topics such as the role of parliament in the digital age, migration and discrimination, unity within Europe and social policy.
Discuss with your fellow citizens by clicking more below.
Did you know...? Signing citizens’ initiatives with eIDs (30/05/2022)
When you give your support for a European citizens’ initiative online, you need to fill in specific details. For many people, there are two options: you can either fill in your details manually, or you can connect through your national eID system to have the data automatically filled in.
Currently 13 Member States offer the possibility of using the eID system active nationally (for example ‘Itsme’ in Belgium and ‘CIE’ or ‘SPID’ in Italy). Completing the form automatically with eID not only saves you time, but it ensures that data is correct – reducing the possibility of human error. This is important when the 1 million+ signatures collected are verified by the national authorities before organisers can officially submit the initiative.
Learn more below.
Looking forward to ECI Day on 2 June to celebrate the 10 years of the ECI! (02/06/2022)
Participants are gathering for the 10th Anniversary of EDI day, hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee on 2 June. The event will be opened by EESC president Christa Schweng, and Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography.
This is a hybrid event. For those who are unable to attend in person, you can watch an online livestream starting at 9:30 CET, or follow updates on the ECI Forum’s social media channels. Tune in throughout the day to follow along!
We want your opinion! Survey on CitizenCental podcast (30/05/2022)
We are conducting a survey on the ECI podcast CitizenCentral. With 7 episodes released in season 1 and production for season 2 kicking off, we’d like to take this opportunity to hear from you. This survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes and closes on 23 June. Click ‘more’ to contribute!
Questions from the ECI Forum to civil society organisations: when do you support an ECI? (30/05/2022)
Calling all civil society organisations: we want to know your experience and perspective regarding the European Citizens’ Initiative! How do you choose to support, or not support, an initiative? Let us know by taking part in this short survey, deadline: 31 July.
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Meet Karl-Hendrik Pallo from the Estonian Cooperation Assembly & Rahvaalgatus (30/05/2022)
Karl-Hendrik joined the ECI Ambassador programme in early 2022. He had the idea to develop a subpage about the ECI that complements his organisation’s existing website focused on participatory democracy at local and national levels in Estonia. Rahvaalgatus.ee (‘The Citizens Initiative Portal’) enables citizens to write proposals, hold discussions and send petitions to the Estonian Parliament and local government. In Estonia, if a proposal gets 1,000 signatures, the Parliament must take it into consideration. “Our mission is to popularise this tool in Estonia as a way to start a constructive dialogue between citizens and politicians. In this sense the ECI has a very similar message and is a tool to help people participate directly in the political process.”
“We have noted that there are a lot of similar initiatives at the Estonian level and the EU level. Using Europe Day as a hook, we published different trivia and facts about the ECI on social media and in our newsletter. Country-specific details and statistics are the best hook to talk about the ECI, so the more access we have to statistics, the better.”
Karl-Hendrik enjoys being an ECI Ambassador because: “I like to be able to contribute to wider use of this tool as I see real value in a truly working participatory democracy. It is something that can make Brussels feel closer than it normally does and make people more interested in EU politics.”
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking more below.
A new version of the ECI Infographic (30/05/2022)
Check out the latest data and figures on European citizens’ initiatives in the updated ECI infographic. Learn about the demographics of ECI organisers (age and nationality), the number of signatures per country, the amount of funding successful initiatives received... and more!
Open for signature collection: ‘Fur Free Europe’ (25/05/2022)
Organisers of the ‘Fur Free Europe’ initiative launched their signature collection period on 18 May. They now have 1 year to collect 1 million signatures.
This initiative asks the Commission to prohibit the keeping and killing of animals for fur production and to stop products containing farmed animal fur from entering the EU market.
Read more about the organisers’ objectives by clicking ‘more’.
Read this newsletter in all official EU languages! (25/05/2022)
Dear readers,
This newsletter has a new feature – automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages! Want to switch languages? Click here to select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Make sure to look for the icon similar to the picture here.
Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated and a few technical bugs are still being worked out!
Discover the European Citizens’ Initiative – recording available (25/05/2022)
Fear not if you missed the webinar “Discover the European Citizens’ Initiative” on Tuesday, 3 May.
We had a nice turnout of people from across Europe. Speakers Silvia Kersemakers (European Commission) and Elisa Lironi (European Citizen Action Service) gave an overview of the rights the ECI offers, and the assistance provided by the ECI Forum. Initiative organisers Marina Konstantinidi (ReturnthePlastics), Michele Gianella (Start UBI throughout the EU), Elsa Kraemer (European EcoScore) and Olga Kikou (End the Cage Age) spoke about their respective ambitions and experiences.
The event was recorded as part of the European Commission Open Days online. Watch the recording and view the presentation slides by clicking ‘more’ below.
ECI at the Commission’s Open Day 2022 (25/05/2022)
The European Citizens’ Initiative helped welcome visitors to the European Commission’s Open Day on 7 May. Visitors could take a short quiz on the ECI (currently available in EN/FR/DE/NL, with more languages coming soon), look at ongoing initiatives on the homepage and ask questions to the Commissions’ team working on the ECI.
The Commission’s headquarters was visited by over 8,000 people. In addition to learning about the EU in general (and the ECI in particular!), participants had the opportunity to interact with ‘Youth,’ ‘Green’ and ‘Digital’ thematic areas, test their knowledge with quizzes, watch live music and dance performances, and more.
Newly updated online course on the European Citizens’ Initiative (30/05/2022)
Interested in learning how to develop a successful European Citizens’ Initiative?
Check out the newly updated online course: ‘Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers'.
The course provides participants with an opportunity to learn about the process and practice of developing European citizens’ initiatives in an interactive online environment, under the guidance of established experts.
Successful participants will receive a Certificate upon completion of the course.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (30/05/2022)
The organisers of European citizens’ initiatives are obliged to inform the European Commission of the number of collected statements of support (both online and on paper) at least every two months. This information is then made visible on our website.
Congratulations to those organisers whose initiatives reached certain milestones recently:
If you’d like to support any of the ongoing initiatives, please visit our website.
The ECI Forum reaches out to universities (30/05/2022)
The ECI Forum continues to directly engage with young people – in May with students at the University of Latvia. The ECI Forum discussed the potential of participatory democracy in Europe generally, and the ECI as a tool more specifically. The next exchange is with students from the University of Wroclaw (Poland).
Would you like us to make a presentation at your university and exchange with you and other students? Contact the ECI Forum via eciforum@ecas.org
New ideas shared on ECI Forum (30/05/2022)
Interested in knowing what EU citizens are discussing about? Join the ECI Forum and check the latest discussion threads covering topics such as the role of parliament in the digital age, migration and discrimination, unity within Europe and social policy.
Discuss with your fellow citizens by clicking more below.
Did you know...? Signing citizens’ initiatives with eIDs (30/05/2022)
When you give your support for a European citizens’ initiative online, you need to fill in specific details. For many people, there are two options: you can either fill in your details manually, or you can connect through your national eID system to have the data automatically filled in.
Currently 13 Member States offer the possibility of using the eID system active nationally (for example ‘Itsme’ in Belgium and ‘CIE’ or ‘SPID’ in Italy). Completing the form automatically with eID not only saves you time, but it ensures that data is correct – reducing the possibility of human error. This is important when the 1 million+ signatures collected are verified by the national authorities before organisers can officially submit the initiative.
Learn more below.
Looking forward to ECI Day on 2 June to celebrate the 10 years of the ECI! (02/06/2022)
Participants are gathering for the 10th Anniversary of EDI day, hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee on 2 June. The event will be opened by EESC president Christa Schweng, and Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography.
This is a hybrid event. For those who are unable to attend in person, you can watch an online livestream starting at 9:30 CET, or follow updates on the ECI Forum’s social media channels. Tune in throughout the day to follow along!
We want your opinion! Survey on CitizenCental podcast (30/05/2022)
We are conducting a survey on the ECI podcast CitizenCentral. With 7 episodes released in season 1 and production for season 2 kicking off, we’d like to take this opportunity to hear from you. This survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes and closes on 23 June. Click ‘more’ to contribute!
Questions from the ECI Forum to civil society organisations: when do you support an ECI? (30/05/2022)
Calling all civil society organisations: we want to know your experience and perspective regarding the European Citizens’ Initiative! How do you choose to support, or not support, an initiative? Let us know by taking part in this short survey, deadline: 31 July.
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Meet Karl-Hendrik Pallo from the Estonian Cooperation Assembly & Rahvaalgatus (30/05/2022)
Karl-Hendrik joined the ECI Ambassador programme in early 2022. He had the idea to develop a subpage about the ECI that complements his organisation’s existing website focused on participatory democracy at local and national levels in Estonia. Rahvaalgatus.ee (‘The Citizens Initiative Portal’) enables citizens to write proposals, hold discussions and send petitions to the Estonian Parliament and local government. In Estonia, if a proposal gets 1,000 signatures, the Parliament must take it into consideration. “Our mission is to popularise this tool in Estonia as a way to start a constructive dialogue between citizens and politicians. In this sense the ECI has a very similar message and is a tool to help people participate directly in the political process.”
“We have noted that there are a lot of similar initiatives at the Estonian level and the EU level. Using Europe Day as a hook, we published different trivia and facts about the ECI on social media and in our newsletter. Country-specific details and statistics are the best hook to talk about the ECI, so the more access we have to statistics, the better.”
Karl-Hendrik enjoys being an ECI Ambassador because: “I like to be able to contribute to wider use of this tool as I see real value in a truly working participatory democracy. It is something that can make Brussels feel closer than it normally does and make people more interested in EU politics.”
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking more below.
A new version of the ECI Infographic (30/05/2022)
Check out the latest data and figures on European citizens’ initiatives in the updated ECI infographic. Learn about the demographics of ECI organisers (age and nationality), the number of signatures per country, the amount of funding successful initiatives received... and more!
Open for signature collection: ‘Fur Free Europe’ (25/05/2022)
Organisers of the ‘Fur Free Europe’ initiative launched their signature collection period on 18 May. They now have 1 year to collect 1 million signatures.
This initiative asks the Commission to prohibit the keeping and killing of animals for fur production and to stop products containing farmed animal fur from entering the EU market.
Read more about the organisers’ objectives by clicking ‘more’.
Read this newsletter in all official EU languages! (25/05/2022)
Dear readers,
This newsletter has a new feature – automatic machine translation into 23 EU languages! Want to switch languages? Click here to select the language of your choice at the top of the page. Make sure to look for the icon similar to the picture here.
Thanks for keeping in mind this is machine-generated and a few technical bugs are still being worked out!
Discover the European Citizens’ Initiative – recording available (25/05/2022)
Fear not if you missed the webinar “Discover the European Citizens’ Initiative” on Tuesday, 3 May.
We had a nice turnout of people from across Europe. Speakers Silvia Kersemakers (European Commission) and Elisa Lironi (European Citizen Action Service) gave an overview of the rights the ECI offers, and the assistance provided by the ECI Forum. Initiative organisers Marina Konstantinidi (ReturnthePlastics), Michele Gianella (Start UBI throughout the EU), Elsa Kraemer (European EcoScore) and Olga Kikou (End the Cage Age) spoke about their respective ambitions and experiences.
The event was recorded as part of the European Commission Open Days online. Watch the recording and view the presentation slides by clicking ‘more’ below.
ECI at the Commission’s Open Day 2022 (25/05/2022)
The European Citizens’ Initiative helped welcome visitors to the European Commission’s Open Day on 7 May. Visitors could take a short quiz on the ECI (currently available in EN/FR/DE/NL, with more languages coming soon), look at ongoing initiatives on the homepage and ask questions to the Commissions’ team working on the ECI.
The Commission’s headquarters was visited by over 8,000 people. In addition to learning about the EU in general (and the ECI in particular!), participants had the opportunity to interact with ‘Youth,’ ‘Green’ and ‘Digital’ thematic areas, test their knowledge with quizzes, watch live music and dance performances, and more.
Newly updated online course on the European Citizens’ Initiative (30/05/2022)
Interested in learning how to develop a successful European Citizens’ Initiative?
Check out the newly updated online course: ‘Essential Skills for European Citizens' Initiative Organisers'.
The course provides participants with an opportunity to learn about the process and practice of developing European citizens’ initiatives in an interactive online environment, under the guidance of established experts.
Successful participants will receive a Certificate upon completion of the course.
Status of support per Initiative – Congratulations for reaching milestones! (30/05/2022)
The organisers of European citizens’ initiatives are obliged to inform the European Commission of the number of collected statements of support (both online and on paper) at least every two months. This information is then made visible on our website.
Congratulations to those organisers whose initiatives reached certain milestones recently:
If you’d like to support any of the ongoing initiatives, please visit our website.
The ECI Forum reaches out to universities (30/05/2022)
The ECI Forum continues to directly engage with young people – in May with students at the University of Latvia. The ECI Forum discussed the potential of participatory democracy in Europe generally, and the ECI as a tool more specifically. The next exchange is with students from the University of Wroclaw (Poland).
Would you like us to make a presentation at your university and exchange with you and other students? Contact the ECI Forum via eciforum@ecas.org
New ideas shared on ECI Forum (30/05/2022)
Interested in knowing what EU citizens are discussing about? Join the ECI Forum and check the latest discussion threads covering topics such as the role of parliament in the digital age, migration and discrimination, unity within Europe and social policy.
Discuss with your fellow citizens by clicking more below.
Did you know...? Signing citizens’ initiatives with eIDs (30/05/2022)
When you give your support for a European citizens’ initiative online, you need to fill in specific details. For many people, there are two options: you can either fill in your details manually, or you can connect through your national eID system to have the data automatically filled in.
Currently 13 Member States offer the possibility of using the eID system active nationally (for example ‘Itsme’ in Belgium and ‘CIE’ or ‘SPID’ in Italy). Completing the form automatically with eID not only saves you time, but it ensures that data is correct – reducing the possibility of human error. This is important when the 1 million+ signatures collected are verified by the national authorities before organisers can officially submit the initiative.
Learn more below.
Looking forward to ECI Day on 2 June to celebrate the 10 years of the ECI! (02/06/2022)
Participants are gathering for the 10th Anniversary of EDI day, hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee on 2 June. The event will be opened by EESC president Christa Schweng, and Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission for Democracy and Demography.
This is a hybrid event. For those who are unable to attend in person, you can watch an online livestream starting at 9:30 CET, or follow updates on the ECI Forum’s social media channels. Tune in throughout the day to follow along!
We want your opinion! Survey on CitizenCental podcast (30/05/2022)
We are conducting a survey on the ECI podcast CitizenCentral. With 7 episodes released in season 1 and production for season 2 kicking off, we’d like to take this opportunity to hear from you. This survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes and closes on 23 June. Click ‘more’ to contribute!
Questions from the ECI Forum to civil society organisations: when do you support an ECI? (30/05/2022)
Calling all civil society organisations: we want to know your experience and perspective regarding the European Citizens’ Initiative! How do you choose to support, or not support, an initiative? Let us know by taking part in this short survey, deadline: 31 July.
ECI Ambassadors Spotlight: Meet Karl-Hendrik Pallo from the Estonian Cooperation Assembly & Rahvaalgatus (30/05/2022)
Karl-Hendrik joined the ECI Ambassador programme in early 2022. He had the idea to develop a subpage about the ECI that complements his organisation’s existing website focused on participatory democracy at local and national levels in Estonia. Rahvaalgatus.ee (‘The Citizens Initiative Portal’) enables citizens to write proposals, hold discussions and send petitions to the Estonian Parliament and local government. In Estonia, if a proposal gets 1,000 signatures, the Parliament must take it into consideration. “Our mission is to popularise this tool in Estonia as a way to start a constructive dialogue between citizens and politicians. In this sense the ECI has a very similar message and is a tool to help people participate directly in the political process.”
“We have noted that there are a lot of similar initiatives at the Estonian level and the EU level. Using Europe Day as a hook, we published different trivia and facts about the ECI on social media and in our newsletter. Country-specific details and statistics are the best hook to talk about the ECI, so the more access we have to statistics, the better.”
Karl-Hendrik enjoys being an ECI Ambassador because: “I like to be able to contribute to wider use of this tool as I see real value in a truly working participatory democracy. It is something that can make Brussels feel closer than it normally does and make people more interested in EU politics.”
Meet your ECI Ambassadors by clicking more below.
A new version of the ECI Infographic (30/05/2022)
Check out the latest data and figures on European citizens’ initiatives in the updated ECI infographic. Learn about the demographics of ECI organisers (age and nationality), the number of signatures per country, the amount of funding successful initiatives received... and more!
