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5 min · Module

The European Citizens' Initiative

How 1 million citizens can put a proposal on the EU's agenda.

Direct democracy, EU-style

The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) lets EU citizens propose new EU laws. The requirements:

1. At least 1 MILLION signatures from EU citizens. 2. Signatures from at least 7 different member states. 3. Within 12 months.

Successful ECIs receive a formal Commission response and a Parliament hearing. Examples that led to law changes: 'Right2Water' (2014), 'Ban Glyphosate' (2017), 'Stop Finning' (2020). The site eci.ec.europa.eu lists current open initiatives — you can sign in your member-state language with your ID number.

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