Close Menu
InfoQuest Network
  • News
  • World
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Latin America
    • Australia
    • Africa
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Personal Finance
    • Finance
    • Markets
    • Startup
    • Investing
    • Innovation
    • Billionaires
    • Crypto
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Science
    • Entertainment
    • Health & Wellness
    • Immigration
Trending

Weekend Superquiz: August 9 Edition

August 8, 2025

Guatemalan Man’s Estate Granted Compensation After Court Links Death to Employment

August 8, 2025

DOJ Launches Grand Jury Investigation into Letitia James Related to Trump Civil Case

August 8, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Smiley face Weather     Live Markets
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
InfoQuest Network
  • News
  • World
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Latin America
    • Australia
    • Africa
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Personal Finance
    • Finance
    • Markets
    • Startup
    • Investing
    • Innovation
    • Billionaires
    • Crypto
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Travel
  • More
    • Science
    • Entertainment
    • Health & Wellness
    • Immigration
InfoQuest Network
  • News
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Finance
  • Entertainment
  • Health & Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Sports
  • Personal Finance
  • Billionaires
  • Crypto
  • Innovation
  • Investing
  • Markets
  • Startup
  • Immigration
  • Science
Home»World»Europe»What Europeans Expect from the EU: The Most Unusual Citizens’ Initiatives
Europe

What Europeans Expect from the EU: The Most Unusual Citizens’ Initiatives

News RoomBy News RoomAugust 8, 20250 ViewsNo Comments3 Mins Read
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Reddit Telegram WhatsApp

Since its introduction in 2012, the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) has empowered ordinary citizens to propose new EU laws on various issues, allowing for a direct influence on legislative processes. There have been 121 initiatives submitted so far, showcasing a wide range of concerns from serious matters like health and consumer rights to more eccentric requests. While many proposals aim to address significant policy challenges, some are decidedly unconventional; for instance, initiatives have called for a total ban on animal farming, the establishment of a holiday in honor of former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and even for the European Anthem to be sung in Esperanto.

The mechanics of the ECI require at least seven EU citizens from different member states to propose an initiative. Following approval, proponents have one year to collect a million signatures from eligible voters across at least seven EU countries, adhering to minimum thresholds in each country. Signatures can be collected online or on paper, and once verified, the initiative is submitted to the European Commission and the European Parliament. The Commission is mandated to respond within six months, although it is not legally obligated to propose new legislation. Nonetheless, it must publicly explain its decision regarding the initiative.

Currently, several initiatives are actively gathering signatures, with two gaining notable traction. “Stop Destroying Videogames” seeks to prevent publishers from remotely disabling games, a practice that negatively impacts consumers who have purchased these products. The second initiative, “Stop Cruelty Stop Slaughter,” aims to gradually phase out animal farming in the EU, proposing to cut the number of farms by 50% annually while advocating a transition to plant-based proteins and lab-grown meat. These campaigns reflect a broader focus among successful initiatives on animal welfare and environmental issues, as seen in past efforts to ban fur farming and controversial pesticides.

Kangen Water

Among the various initiatives submitted, a few stand out due to their distinctiveness and sometimes absurdity. For instance, a 2012 initiative requested that the European Anthem be sung in Esperanto; this proposal was rejected as lacking legal basis. Other notable rejections include calls to ban prostitution across the EU and one that sought to eliminate the European Parliament. Moreover, an initiative during Brexit discussions sought a referendum on the UK’s departure, but similarly lacked sufficient legal backing under EU law.

Some accepted proposals have struggled to gather the requisite number of signatures. An initiative proposing July 26 as the “European Day of Whatever It Takes” gathered only 254 signatures despite its homage to a speech by Mario Draghi. Others, such as a proposal to limit the rollout of 5G networks, gained momentum but ultimately fell short of the million-signature mark. Another recurring concept has been universal basic income, which has been proposed in different years, yet neither initiative has garnered enough support to advance.

The diversity of initiatives underscores not only the power of citizens to influence EU law but also the rich tapestry of opinions and ideas present across Europe. While many initiatives tackle pressing issues in contemporary society, the range of eccentric proposals illustrates that the ECI serves as a platform for creative expression as well. This mechanism reflects democratic engagement within the EU, allowing citizens to highlight both the significant and the idiosyncratic aspects of legislation, fostering a culture of participation in democratic processes.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit Telegram WhatsApp

Related News

Heat Island Effect: Are European Cities at Risk of Becoming Uninhabitable?

August 8, 2025

No Proof of Russia Capturing NATO Officers in Ukraine

August 8, 2025

Belgian Court Blocks Transit of Military Equipment to Israel

August 7, 2025

Crisis in Gaza Continues to be ‘Very Severe’ Despite Some Positive Developments – EU

August 7, 2025

Deceptive Online Reports Assert Prominent Women Were Born Male

August 7, 2025

Haunted by Merkel: Trump Continues to Struggle with Europe’s Absent Leader

August 7, 2025
Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Top News

Guatemalan Man’s Estate Granted Compensation After Court Links Death to Employment

August 8, 2025

DOJ Launches Grand Jury Investigation into Letitia James Related to Trump Civil Case

August 8, 2025

Chicago Sky Game Joins List of WNBA Matches Interrupted by Sex Toy Incident as Arrests Persist

August 8, 2025

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest news and updates directly to your inbox.

Advertisement
Kangen Water
InfoQuest Network
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Press Release
  • Advertise
  • Contact
© 2025 Info Quest Network. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.