European Citizens’ Initiative

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The signature collection period for the "My Voice, My Choice: For Safe and Accessible Abortion" initiative closed on 24 April with 1.2 million signatures, pending verification. Next, the organisers will submit the signatures to the national authorities that will then have 3 months to verify them. If the minimum number of valid signatures is confirmed, the organisers can submit the initiative to the Commission for examination. The organisers attend meetings and a public hearing, before the Commission issues its formal reply.

More information on the verification process below.

Want to know how signature collection trends differ across ECIs and countries, the funding various ECIs receive, or the sociodemographic distribution of organisers?

Check the ECI Forum's updated infographic (March 2025) and stay informed on the latest ECI developments.

On Saturday 10 May 2025, the EU institutions will open their doors to the public.

Come learn more about the ECI and other tools to shape EU policies at the Have Your Say stand in the Commission's Berlaymont building in Brussels. The ECI will also be featured at events across Europe.

Check out what's happening in your country and when!

In this 1-our webinar, hosted by the ECI Forum, you can learn how to make your voice heard in EU policymaking through the ECI. Hear real stories and proven strategies from the organisers of Stop Destroying Videogames and HouseEurope! Power to Renovation and learn how to launch and run a successful initiative.

On 8 April, the European Commission organised the event ‘Spotlight on the European Citizens’ Initiative: Collaborating Across the EU’ in Brussels.

The event brought together institutional partners, ECI Ambassadors, national contact points and, for the first time, organisers of ongoing initiatives. Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič opened the event, emphasising that the ECI is a powerful tool – but only if it is actively used and better known.

The event brought together institutional partners, ECI Ambassadors, national contact points and, for the first time, organisers of ongoing initiatives. Participants showcased examples of communicating the ECI on the ground and brainstormed ideas to bring ECI information closer to citizens.

The ECI Forum led an interactive Campaigning Lab, facilitated by Daniela Vancic, where initiative organisers tackled real-life campaign challenges, including internal crisis, external pressure, or public engagement crisis. Through dynamic discussions, participants exchanged insights, crafted bold solutions, and walked away with practical strategies to strengthen their own campaigns.

In a new blog, Matteo Garguilo, ECI organiser of Ban on conversion practices reflects on the campaign’s journey a year after his first interview for the Forum. Matteo discusses the challenges of working with a niche human rights topic and why passion alone isn’t always enough to reach one million signatures.

From resource limits to visibility hurdles, Matteo shares honest insights for future ECI organisers on what it really takes to run a successful ECI.

Find out more in the blog.

The ECI Forum is your go-to space for advice, peer exchange, and practical support when preparing and running an ECI. Register now to access features like the 'Ask an Expert’ service and the Discussion Forum, where you can connect directly with experts and fellow organisers.

Already registered? Important: The EU Login system is updating its security rules. SMS-based authentication will be disabled by mid-2025. If you still use this method, please set up an alternative login option.

You can find more information on the EU Login Portal.

Have you used the ECI Forum's Guidance Notes? We want to hear your thoughts!

Even if this is your first time seeing them, please take a few minutes to share your experience.

The ECI Ambassadors are essential in sharing information about the ECI locally and nationally, helping citizens make the most of their EU citizenship rights. Our newest ECI Ambassadors are members of European Movement International, a pan-European network established in 1948 that promotes active citizenship and civil society participation.

We would like to welcome:

• European Movement Ireland
• Jan Helmer, General Secretary / CEO of European Movement Ireland

Europe Day, celebrated on 9 May, is a great opportunity to promote the European Citizens’ Initiative.

Check out our communication materials available in all official EU languages, including our Advocacy Handbook, which summarises everything you need to know.

After the signature collection period closes, organisers have up to 3 months to request the verification of signatures.

Online signatures are sent to national authorities in each EU country through the Commission's file exchange service. Paper forms can be submitted physically (paper or DVD) by registered post/courier or electronically (scanned and uploaded) using the file exchange service.

Designated authorities in EU countries then have 3 months to verify the number of signatures collected and issue a certificate.

For more information, visit the FAQ, available in 24 languages