What is the European Citizens’ Initiative?

What is the European Citizens’ Initiative?*

Vyara Moleva, Denitsa Kozhuharova

This right was given to the European citizens starting April 2012. It is a tool which allows them to actively participate in the development of the EU policies. There are 7 requirements that need to be fulfilled for a Citizens` initiative to take place:

There has to be an European matter which requires an European solution;
The EU has to have competence to legislate the matter;
It needs to be backed by at least one million people from at least 7 EU countries;
The field of the initiative must be one where the Commission has the power to propose legislation;
The proposal must conform with the rules set out in the Regulation regarding the Citizens’ initiative;
The proposal should comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The signatures must be verified by the authorities concerned in each member state. The Commission examines the initiative and announces its decision within 3 months. The Charter of Fundamental rights also outlines other rights.*The above article aims to outline some of your basic rights and it is not intended to provide legal advice. If you need help exercising those rights or you deal with a more complicated matter we advise you to consult a legal expert.

*Source: pravatami.bg

20.03.2013