Webinar, 'Understanding the legal requirements for launching an ECI' 2026

Launching a European Citizens’ Initiative starts with understanding whether your idea is legally admissible and how the registration process works in practice.

Missed the live session? Watch the full webinar recording above to learn about the legal requirements for launching an ECI, the main reasons initiatives may face difficulties at the registration stage, and the support available through the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum.

In this 50-minute webinar, experts from the European Commission and the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum explained how to prepare and register an ECI, how to assess whether a proposal falls within EU competences, and how organisers can avoid common legal pitfalls.

What this webinar helps you understand

• What makes a European citizens’ initiative legally admissible 
• How to identify the correct legal basis for your proposal 
• What the European Commission checks at registration stage 
• How to avoid common mistakes that lead to refusal 
• How the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum can support organisers 

Who you will hear from

Participants heard directly from:

• Ionut Grigoras, European Commission Policy Officer, who explained the legal definition of a European Citizens’ Initiative and the key admissibility criteria, including EU competences and the Commission’s powers; 
• Claire Damilano, European Citizens’ Initiative Forum Legal Advice Manager, who presented the support and quality-control mechanisms available to organisers; 
• Ioana-Virginia Motoc, legal expert from the “Ask an Expert” service, who highlighted common legal pitfalls and shared practical advice on drafting a legally sound initiative. 

Key insights from the discussion

• Start with EU competence. A European citizens’ initiative must concern an area where the EU can act and where the Commission can propose a legal act. 
• Be clear and specific. Well-defined objectives and a clear legal basis increase the chances of successful registration. 
• Registration is a legal test. The European Commission does not assess whether an idea is good or desirable—it checks whether the legal conditions are met. 
• Focus on actionable proposals. An ECI must invite the Commission to propose a legal act, not simply take a position. 
• Use support early. The European Citizens’ Initiative Forum offers free, tailored advice that can help organisers refine their ideas and avoid rejection. 
• Learn from existing initiatives and legislation. Reviewing previous ECIs and EU laws can help identify realistic and viable approaches. 

Webinar agenda

• Introduction and welcome by Vasiliki Mustakis, European Citizens’ Initiative Forum Team 
• Overview of the European Citizens’ Initiative process and registration steps 
• Legal requirements and admissibility criteria 
  • Ionut Grigoras, European Commission [Minute 05:44 – 24:44] 
• Support and quality control through the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum 
  • Claire Damilano [Minute 24:50 – 32:38] 
• How to draft a legally sound initiative and avoid common pitfalls 
  • Ioana-Virginia Motoc [Minute 28:12 – 36:57] 
• Q&A session with participants 
• Closing remarks 

Questions answered in the webinar

• What makes a European Citizens’ Initiative legally admissible? 
• How can organisers identify the right legal basis for an ECI? 
• What are the most common reasons ECIs are refused registration?  
• How does the registration process work in practice? 
• How can the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum support organisers during preparation? 

A successful European citizens’ initiative starts with a legally sound proposal. By understanding the registration criteria, identifying the right legal basis, and using the support available through the European Citizens’ Initiative Forum, organisers can significantly improve their chances of turning an idea into action at EU level.

Platform: Webex

Language: English