European Citizens’ Initiative

The European citizens’ initiative Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ has become the 11th valid initiative submitted to the European Commission, successfully gathering over 1.2 million signatures, with minimum thresholds reached in eight EU countries. The Commission will provide its official response by 4 September 2025.

Organisers of the ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of regional cultures’ initiative were received by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto on 25 March 2025, to present the objectives of their initiative. This meeting marks an important step in the examination process, with the next one being a public hearing at the European Parliament. Stay tuned!

Check out the photo news.

On 1 April, we celebrate the anniversary of the European Citizens' Initiative! Since the ECI rules came into effect on this day in 2012, citizens across Europe have raised their voices with 119 new initiatives. Join us in marking another year of empowering EU democracy.

Learn more about the ECI's journey, and check out these key figures.

Looking for EU funding to support your project on citizen engagement, protecting diversity and civil rights, or empowering democratic participation? The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme has launched a new call for proposals. Submit your grant application by 29 April 2025.

ECI Day, held on 18 March during EESC Civil Society Week 2025, featured insightful panel discussions and interactive workshops. The event provided an opportunity for current initiatives to present their work and engage with participants, sparking ideas for future civic action. Attendees encouraged EU institutions to strengthen their support and maintain transparent dialogue to help ECIs effectively reach their goals.

Read the EESC press release and check out these photos from the day.

Missed our February webinar on Understanding Campaign Structures for Effective European Citizens’ Initiative? Watch this recording or read our latest blog post to discover practical role allocation strategies for transnational campaigns.

Join our online course on Essential Skills for ECI Organisers. or read our Guided by expert tutors, this interactive course covers all the key aspects of a successful initiative, from Commission competences, registration, campaigning, and signature collection to data protection, fundraising, advocacy, and building a pan-European support network.

Interested in launching an initiative? Don’t miss our webinar on the ECI Beginner’s Guide, coming in May! Stay tuned on the ECI Forum for more details.

Take a deep dive into three successful initiatives featured on the ECI Forum. Learn about the impact and strategies of Fur Free Europe, Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics and Stop Finning – Stop the Trade.

Are you a student or professor eager to learn how the ECI can empower EU citizens? Invite us to your university to give an engaging presentation contact us today to schedule a session and get involved!

The ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe calls for stronger EU measures to protect water resources, tackle pollution, and improve access to clean water.

Find out more in this blog post by initiative organiser Piotr Sadowski.

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.

Citizens, businesses and stakeholders are invited by the European Commission to share their views on the future of the EU’s long-term budget, particularly on priorities such as EU values, civil society, justice, education, external action, and other key areas, to ensure optimal use of funds from 2028 onwards.

#HaveyourSay on these and other topics through simple online questionnaires, available in 24 EU languages!