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.
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.
