European Commission launched public consultation on European Citizens’ Initiative

On 11 November 2009, European Commission launched a public consultation on the European Citizens’ Initiative. The European Citizens’ Initiative is a new tool in order to aid public participation in EU policymaking.


European Commission launches public consultation on the Citizens’ Initiative

The Lisbon Treaty introduces a new form of public participation in European Union policy shaping, the European citizens’ initiative, which enables one million citizens who are nationals of a significant number of Member States to call directly on the European Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest to them in an area of EU competence. On 11 November 2009, European Commission launched public consultation on the Citizens’ Initiative. This consultation will provide the future rules and procedures on using European citizens’ initiative.

Due to the importance of this new tool for citizens, Civil Society is closely following EU processes involving the European citizens’ initiative. Prior to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, many civil society organisations advocated for this initiative, which is now enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty. This initiative will increase public participation in EU decision-making.

The deadline for reply is the end of January 2010. After this date, the European Commission will put forward a proposal for a regulation to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. More information on the consultation can be found here

A summary of the European Citizen’s Initiative is available here.

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Last modified on February 1 2010.