Democracy International launched a campaign for the improvement of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI). The ECI could give people a real voice in decision-making in Europe. With one million signatures, citizens can call on the EU Commission to write new legislation. But in practice very few know of the tool’s existence, hurdles are extremely high, and then it isn’t even taken seriously by politicians.

In the next months the EU’s politicians will decide on the future of the ECI. But they do not seem interested in real improvements. Now is our last opportunity to stand up and defend our right. The ECI must be made more accessible to all citizens; the process must be more dynamic and efficient. And citizens’ initiatives must have the same impact as initiatives from the EU Parliament.

In September the signatures will be handed over to EU Parliament and Commission. Prominent supporters are Thomas Piketty and Gesine Schwan, and EU deputy Beatriz Becerra has already responded, promising to take up Democracy International’s demands in her parliamentary reporting on the ECI. The petition has already won 18.000 supporters. Please help it reach 25.000!

Sign the petition here: www.democracy-international.org/ecicampaign