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

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Launching a European Citizens’ Initiative requires more than a strong idea — it also demands a solid understanding of the legal framework that governs the process.

In this one-hour webinar, legal experts explain what makes an ECI legally admissible, how the registration process works in practice, and how to avoid common mistakes at the registration stage. The session combines the European Commission’s institutional perspective with practical, expert guidance from the ECI Forum.

The webinar is designed for organisers who are considering launching an ECI, are preparing a registration request, or are supporting an initiative team and need clarity on legal constraints and support options.

Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the speakers.

What you will learn:

• What are the legal basis and admissibility criteria for ECIs
• How to assess whether an initiative can be registered
• How the registration process works in practice
• Which legal pitfalls commonly occur, and how to avoid them
• Where organisers can find legal support and guidance during preparation and registration

Agenda (subject to change)

1. Introduction [5 mins]
2. The ECI registration process – Vasiliki Mustakis, ECI Forum Team [5 mins]
3. Legal requirements of an ECI – Ionut Grigoras, European Commission Policy Officer [15 mins]
4. ECI Forum Ask an expert service – Legal expert part of the Ask an expert service  [15 mins]
5. ECI Forum support and quality control – Claire Damilano, ECI Forum Legal Advice Manager  [10 mins]
6. Q&A [5 mins]
7. Closing and key takeaways [5 mins]

Platform: Webex

Language: English