How can an EU citizen have a say in EU laws? The European Citizens’ Initiative is a direct-democracy mechanism, created by the EU’s Lisbon Treaty and put into effect on 2 April 2012. It means that one million citizens from at least one quarter of the EU member states can join together and invite the European Commission to make a proposal for an EU law in areas where the Commission has the power to do so.

By introducing the European citizens’ initiative, the EU aims to bring the legislative process closer to its citizens and make it more transparent. In the words of the European Commission’s vice-president Maroš Šefčovič, “this new right will open a new chapter in the democratic life of the EU. Not only will it provide a direct gateway for citizens to make their voices heard in Brussels, it will also encourage real cross-border debates about EU issues.”

To get more, comprehensive information about the European citizens’ initiative visit: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/aboutparliament/en/001eb38200/European-citizens’-initiative.html