Webinar, 'Get started with the ECI: a step-by-step introduction'

Webinar 'Get started with the ECI: a step-by-step introduction' - Shared Lessons from Two Different Campaign Models

Missed the live session? Watch the full webinar recording above to better understand what are the different steps to follow to launch your ECI.

What this webinar is about

Launching a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) requires much more than a strong idea. Organisers need to understand EU competences, prepare a communication strategy, build support networks across countries and translate complex issues into campaigns that can mobilise people across Europe. This webinar explores the practical realities behind successful ECI campaigns through the experiences of two organisers who built very different types of movements: one driven by large pan-European NGO coalitions; the other powered by an entirely volunteer-based online gaming community.

The session is particularly useful for: future ECI organisers; civil society organisations; campaigners and activists; community organisers; and anyone interested in how European campaigns are built in practice.

Participants also received an overview of the ECI process and the support available through the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum.

Speakers

• Pavel Zálešák: Organiser of the European Citizens’ Initiative “Stop Destroying Videogames”
• Olga Kikou: Organiser of the European Citizens’ Initiative “Good Food for All” and former organiser of “End the Cage Age”

Moderator

• Paola Zamboni: ECI Forum Team

Webinar agenda

• Welcome and overview of the ECI process and requirements by Paola Zamboni, European Citizens’ Initiative Forum Team 
• Interactive session, experiences from ECI organisers with Pavel Zálešák and Olga Kikou
  • Preparation stage and registration of the initiative  [Minute 12:25 – 19:45] 
  • Building a coalition and looking for partners [Minute 19:45 – 25:25]
  • Campaign tactics [Minute 25:25-36:35]
  • Finance management and reporting [Minute 36:35-40:18]
• Q&A session with participants 
• Closing remarks 

Key conclusions from the webinar

• Preparation starts long before registration: Successful ECIs require planning, communication strategy and organisational preparation well before collecting signatures.
• There is no single model for success: Different initiatives can succeed using very different structures, from large NGO coalitions to decentralised online communities.
• Strong communities matter more than campaign size alone: Both organisers highlighted the importance of engaged supporters who feel personally connected to the campaign’s objectives.
• Communication is essential: Organisers must translate complex issues into messages that resonate emotionally and practically with wider audiences.
• European campaigns require persistence: Building visibility and support across multiple Member States takes time, coordination and adaptability.

• Be on board for the long run: The organisers stressed that resilience, preparation and flexibility are essential for long European campaigns.

   

Other questions answered in the webinar:

• How can an ECI help organisers connect with supporters and partners in other EU countries?
• Have you experienced resistance or opposition from politicians, industry stakeholders, or other actors during your campaign? If so, how did you respond to these challenges?
• How did you manage the demands of preparing, running, and following up on an ECI alongside your professional and personal commitments?
• To what extent does offering campaign materials in multiple languages contribute to an initiative's success, and how can organisers balance the benefits against the additional workload involved?

Further reading and support

• More about the ongoing ECI ‘Good food for all’
• More about the success of the ECI ‘Stop destroyiong videogames’
• More about the success of the ECI “End the cage age’

If you are considering launching a European Citizens’ Initiative, the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum offers free support and practical guidance for organisers, including:

• practical guidance notes, webinars and training materials;
• organiser stories and campaign examples;
• and the “Ask an Expert” service for legal and campaign advice;

Register to share ideas and discuss, and explore the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum to learn more and access support tailored to your initiative.

Platform: Webex

Language: English