The value of the ECI for participatory democracy at national and EU level: Ireland in focus

On 16 June 2021, an online event promoting the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) was organised for Irish citizens, aiming to increase awareness about this important tool of participatory democracy in the EU and to put citizens’ initiatives in the spotlight.

The ECI in Ireland

Our moderator, Debra Daly, Vice-Chairperson of the BNC Board of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) and ECI ambassador in Ireland, kicked off the event by warmly welcoming all the participants and introducing the discussion panel.

Andy Klom, from the Commission's representation in Ireland, gave us a quick overview of the Commission's aim to help raise awareness of the ECI tool in Ireland, and how important it is. He noted that "involving citizens more in shaping EU policy is a key priority for the Commission" and the ECI allows for a deeper, and perhaps, more meaningful collaboration. Andy also highlighted some of the successes of ECIs thanks to the participation of Irish citizens.

Debra introduced the interactive Slido quiz, that sought to discover just how informed the participants were on European citizens’ initiatives and their opinions on what tools have the biggest impact on matters they care most about. Judging from the interaction, it was clear to see that everyone was not only informed but also quite passionate about how they can interact in the political processes to affect positive change. It was also clear that many of the participants wanted to learn more about the initiatives and how to support existing ones.

The event itself was divided into two sections, the opening panel discussion focused on the value of ECI, both nationally and at the EU level, and the second section heard from three initiatives' organisers to gain insight into their campaigns, what their experience has been like and what advice they have for those thinking of undertaking the ECI journey.

What is the value of the ECI for participatory democracy at national and EU level?

Adriana-Nicoleta Mungiu-Pătrașcu, from the European Commission’s ECI policy team, started the panel by giving a quick re-cap on the ECI, the resources available and how Irish citizens can become more involved. As always, the most important element to any undertaking is the start. And when it comes to an ECI, it’s important to ensure that the start is strong. Adriana outlined the 6 steps involved in an ECI and some impressive figures. Did you know that 104 requests for registration have been submitted, while 81 have been registered with 6 gaining over 1 million signatures and receiving a reply from the Commission! There are 12 ongoing initiatives, so if you want to help support them, head on over to the ECI page for more details.

Liam Herrick, Executive Director of the Council of Civil Liberties, noted that, in Ireland, there is strong mobilisation among citizens. What is seen as an added benefit for the ECI is the power dynamic the European level brings. This makes it clear to politicians at a local level, that citizens are taking an active role in shaping EU policy, and that is something that they should not ignore! Liam added that there are several pressing social issues in Ireland, some of which have an impact on the wider EU community. Issues such as data protection, climate change and housing affect everyone in some capacity and require a combined effort. The ECI allows for more structured mobilisation, not just at a local level, but across the EU.

Theresa Reidy, Political Scientist in the Department of Government at University College Cork, gave a very insightful view into the importance of participatory democracy and how the ECI helps to support it and influence EU policy. Theresa added that similar to other countries, while engagement is high among some groups in the community, the ECI tool, and similar tools, are not well known and more needs to be done to raise awareness. The role of influencers is important in this respect, as well as getting politicians involved in the conversation.

Hendrik Nahr, European Democracy Outreach Coordinator in ECAS, added that while the ECI is important, citizens need to feel empowered to exercise their democratic rights. "The ECI allows citizens to directly address policymakers and gives them a voice that is loud and cannot be ignored", Hendrik added. It also encompasses what it means to be European, it promotes togetherness, unity, and cooperation. Hendrik also gave an overview of the ECI Forum, where people can find information and resources to embark on their ECI journey. The Forum is not only an information portal, but it also serves as a way to connect with like-minded people, and organisers, from across Europe.

The ECI from an organisers point of view

Ella Jakubowska, an organiser at the Reclaim your Face initiative, outlined how the initiative aims to stop the use of biometric mass surveillance throughout Europe. Ella gave some use case examples of how Ireland is currently experiencing issues concerning biometric surveillance. However, as a European headquarter for many multi-national corporations, Ireland, and more importantly, Irish citizens, can play a huge part in preventing such surveillance from taking a firmer hold. If you want to find out more about Reclaim your Face, just follow the link!

Zmary Garwal who was an organiser of the HOUSINGFORALL ECI explained that the rationale behind the initiative was the lack of affordable housing throughout Member States. One of the most difficult aspects of this initiative was establishing a solution to the diverse nature of property ownership throughout Europe. This makes the ECI an ideal tool to address such an issue due to its transnational nature. The ECI has allowed the initiative to engage across Member States and helped to give an overview of what was happening in each country.

However, the campaign was affected by Brexit – resulting in losing roughly half of all the signatures – and leading to the withdrawal of the initiative. This was not the end of the campaign as the European Parliament, in a way, took over the initiative. The European Parliament resolution on this subject, adopting 80% of the original initiative’s goals. This should serve as an example to everyone, not just organisers, that just because you do not reach the initial goal, it is not a failure, it is the start of a journey to greater achievements!

Amy McAuley, from the Voters without borders initiative, gave an overview of what the initiative aims to achieve.As it stands, a large proportion of EU citizens are not able to partake in their national democratic processes when they reside in another Member State. The initiative believes that this is fundamentally against the values of what the EU is at its core, a free and open society. Amy gave examples of her own struggles with not being able to vote while studying abroad. The Voters without borders ECI aims to eliminate the barrier to free and open voting, regardless of where a citizen lives.

Good luck to Ella, Zmary and Amy and all the other organisers. You can watch the recording of the event on the ECI website.