Have you ever thought that something could be regulated, banned, or promoted better by the European Union? How many times have you thought, "I wish they'd do something different"? What if you could suggest it? In the European Union, you can, thanks to the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), your direct democracy tool with which you can shape Europe's future.
The ECI is a "megaphone" through which you can make your voice heard at the highest levels of the EU. It's a formal process that allows a group of citizens to ask the European Commission to take action on an issue close to their hearts. It's a way to transform your ideas and passions into a policy proposal that can become a European standard.
How to go from idea to proposal
The journey of an ECI is a powerful demonstration of how citizens of the European Union can play an active role in bringing about change.
To start an ECI, all you need are seven people, residing in as many EU countries, who can register their idea with the European Commission, which verifies that the proposed topic falls within the Union's competences.
Once approved, the clock starts ticking. The campaign has one year to collect one million signatures, involving all Member States. To move forward, the proposal must be signed by citizens from at least seven different countries, thus ensuring it has truly European support. If successful, the organizers present their case at a public hearing before the European Parliament, which expresses its opinion. Finally, the European Commission must provide a formal response, explaining whether it intends to propose legislation or take other action.
From theory to practice. Some examples of successful European initiatives.
The ECI is by no means a theoretical process. It's a tool that citizens are already using to achieve tangible results, as has already happened in several cases:
One of the most famous successes was “Right2Water”This first successful ECI gathered nearly 1,7 million signatures calling for water to be recognized as a universal human right. Its impact was direct and powerful, leading to a major update of the EU Drinking Water Directive to improve water quality and access for all.
Another successful campaign was "End the Cage Age"Nearly 1,4 million citizens called for an end to cage farming. The overwhelming public support led the European Commission to commit to drafting a law to phase out cages for animals such as chickens, sows, and rabbits, marking a historic turning point in farm animal welfare.
The topics of an ECI can be the most varied.
Recently the initiative “Stop Destroying Videogames” It has collected over 1,2 million signatures from gamers and consumers. It calls for rules preventing publishers from remotely deactivating legally purchased video games, demonstrating that the ECI can address modern digital rights issues. Its official evaluation by the Commission is currently underway.
And you? What change would you like to see in Europe?
Explore current initiatives or find out how to start your own by visiting the official portal by clicking hereYour idea could be the next chapter in European history.