Empowering Citizens, Strengthening Europe: The ECI as a Tool for Resilience

At a time when global uncertainty and democratic fatigue threaten citizen engagement, the European Citizens’ Initiative stands as a powerful reminder that democracy in Europe is not only about representation — it is also about participation. By giving citizens the means to place their concerns directly on the EU’s agenda, the ECI reinforces trust between Europeans and their institutions, proving that every signature can help shape the Union’s future.

This message was at the heart of a workshop organised by the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) during the Public Affairs Summit in Brussels on 6 November 2025. David Knight, from the European Commission’s Šefčovič Cabinet, joined participants from EU institutions, civil society, academia and the private sector to reflect on how participatory democracy tools — from citizens’ panels to online consultations — can make policymaking more inclusive and resilient.

A unique transnational instrument 
for democratic participation

David Knight described the ECI as a “unique and evolving tool” that empowers Europeans to propose issues of EU-wide importance directly to the European institutions — 

“more important now than ever,” 

he stressed, as democratic values come under pressure in an increasingly volatile world.

Fifteen years after its creation — and five years after the revision of its regulation — the ECI continues to grow as a cornerstone of participatory democracy. It offers citizens a concrete way to influence EU policy from the bottom up, making the Union more responsive to public priorities.

Fifteen years of progress and reform: tangible impact on EU policy

Since its launch, 121 initiatives have been registered. The 2019 reform of the ECI Regulation and its 2020 entry into force brought major improvements: fewer registration refusals, simpler procedures, and new tools such as the central online collection system, the two-step registration process, and the ECI Forum — which provides organisers with expert legal and campaigning advice. These developments have made the process more transparent, accessible, and user-friendly. 

Knight pointed to several ECIs that have already shaped EU policy:

• Right to Water, which contributed to revising the Drinking Water Directive.
• Save Bees and Farmers and Ban Glyphosate, which spurred EU-level debate on biodiversity and pesticide regulation.

While some organisers highlighted challenges with the pace of follow-up, Knight emphasised that 

the ECI’s strength lies in its agenda-setting power. 

It serves as an early signal of citizens’ concerns — influencing EU debates and inspiring legislative reflection even beyond those initiatives that cross the one-million-signature threshold.

For instance, Reclaim Your Face helped shape EU discussions on digital rights despite falling short of the threshold, while Ban on Conversion Therapy, still under verification, has already informed the EU’s LGBTQ+ Strategy.

Beyond the Commission’s response: how to make the ECI more impactful

During the session, participants contributed ideas through an interactive Slido discussion on how to strengthen the ECI’s impact beyond the formal Commission response.
Civil society representatives, NGOs, and citizen advocates called for more public information and practical training to help Europeans understand how to launch and support initiatives effectively. Participants also highlighted the need for national coalitions of willing actors — including governments, parliaments, and civil society — to work together in translating successful ECIs into concrete policy or legal outcomes.

Others emphasised the importance of continuous citizen engagement throughout the entire process: not only after the initiative is submitted, but also before, during, and after its evaluation, ensuring a genuine dialogue between citizens and institutions. Several participants suggested linking the ECI with other participatory instruments, such as citizens’ panels or online consultations, to create stronger synergies and enhance overall democratic participation at EU level. 

Looking ahead: strengthening trust through participation

Knight announced that the next review of the ECI Regulation will take place in 2027, with a focus on further improving visibility, efficiency, and impact. New multilingual communication efforts and youth-oriented educational initiatives are also planned to ensure that more Europeans — especially young people — understand and use the ECI as a democratic tool.

He concluded that, while the ECI is not without its challenges, it remains essential for the future of European democracy. Empowering citizens is not only a democratic imperative but also a strategic necessity for a resilient European future.

About the author:

Marta Azevedo Silva is a communications professional and the Communication Manager at the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS). She leads the development and execution of strategic communication and stakeholder engagement initiatives, overseeing ECAS’ digital presence and driving communication, dissemination, and exploitation efforts for EU-funded projects.

She has experience in public outreach, advocacy, international event management, partnership building, and media relations, having previously worked in communications and press roles in Belgium, Malta, and Portugal.