Webinar, 'Unlock the power of the European Citizens’ Initiative: Real Stories and Practical Tips'

In this insightful webinar, two organisers of current European citizens' initiatives, HouseEurope! Power to Renovation and Stop Destroying Videogames, share hands-on strategies and insider lessons from their campaigns to collect one million signatures across the EU. The webinar began with an overview of the ECI process and the core requirements for launching an initiative.

Olaf Grawert, architect and organiser of HouseEurope! Power to Renovate, discusses how his team built a solid preparation phase grounded in professional networks, careful legal planning, and strategic messaging to promote renovation over demolition in EU building policy. 

Daniel Ondruska and Pavel Zálešák from Stop Destroying Videogames explain how their entirely volunteer-driven campaign has reached nearly half a million signatures without any external funding. They share how they mobilised a global gaming community using Discord, Reddit, and grassroots influencer outreach to advocate for the preservation of digital heritage and gamer rights. 

Key Highlights: 

• Why it's essential to define your message early and clearly
• How to build a network of partners, not just passive supporters 
• The difference between “fishing” for signatures and building long-term engagement 
• Tools and tactics for both online and offline mobilisation 
• Tips for coordinating volunteers across countries and languages 
• Lessons from success and near failure that can save you time and energy 

Webinar Agenda 

1. Introduction and welcome by Kristina Velimirovic, ECAS [Minute 0:14 to 3:11] 
2. Overview of the ECI process and requirements by Kristina Velimirovic, ECAS [Minute 3:13 to 11:54] 
3. How to draft a compelling initiative – experiences from ECI organisers 
   1. Preparation stage by Olaf Grawert, HouseEurope! Power to Renovation [Minute 12:45 to 25:55] 
   2. Collection stage by Daniel Ondruska and Pavel Zálešák, Stop Destroying Videogames [Minute 27:27 to 47:20] 
4. Overview of the ECI Forum by Kristina Velimirovic, ECAS [Minute 48:37 to 53:37] 
5. Q&A Session
6. Closing remarks 

In this webinar recording, you will find the answers to the following questions: 

• How did the idea for this ECI emerge? How did you form your core team and expand your network? [Minute 12:45 to 25:55] 

• How did you ensure your initiative fell under the European Commission’s competences before submission? What early outreach strategies did you use to generate awareness and support?   [Minute 12:45 to 25:55] 

• How did you prepare your campaign strategy for the signature collection phase? How did this help you in collecting signatures afterwards?  [Minute 12:45 to 25:55] 

• What tools and resources are most effective for signature collection?  [Minute 27:27 to 47:20] 

• How do you adapt your campaign across national, regional, and European levels?  [Minute 27:27 to 47:20] 

• What early engagement strategies helped maintain momentum throughout the collection phase? [Minute 27:27 to 47:20] 

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of online vs. in-person signature collection? [Minute 27:27 to 47:20] 

• How do you tailor your campaigns to the specific Member States where you aim to reach the required thresholds? [Minute 57:45] 

• Do you rely more on online or offline signature collection, and what has proven most effective in the different Member States? [Minute 55:50] 

Language: English

Watch now to learn how to launch and run a successful European Citizens' Initiative!