The European citizens’ initiative Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures’ has become the 11th valid initiative submitted to the European Commission, successfully gathering over 1.2 million signatures, with minimum thresholds reached in eight EU countries. The Commission will provide its official response by 4 September 2025.
Organisers of the ‘Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of regional cultures’ initiative were received by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto on 25 March 2025, to present the objectives of their initiative. This meeting marks an important step in the examination process, with the next one being a public hearing at the European Parliament. Stay tuned!
Check out the photo news.
On 1 April, we celebrate the anniversary of the European Citizens’ Initiative! Since the ECI rules came into effect on this day in 2012, citizens across Europe have raised their voices with 119 new initiatives. Join us in marking another year of empowering EU democracy.
Learn more about the ECI’s journey, and check out these key figures.
| To be considered by the European Commission, citizens’ initiatives require 1 million valid signatures, and minimum thresholds reached in 7 EU countries.Several initiatives reached the following significant milestones. |
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Over 1,200,000 (collection still ongoing to cater for any statements of support that might be invalidated by the Member States during the verification process):
Over 600,000:
Over 420,000:
Visit our website to learn more and support ongoing initiatives. |
Looking for EU funding to support your project on citizen engagement, protecting diversity and civil rights, or empowering democratic participation? The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme has launched a new call for proposals. Submit your grant application by 29 April 2025.
ECI Day, held on 18 March during EESC Civil Society Week 2025, featured insightful panel discussions and interactive workshops. The event provided an opportunity for current initiatives to present their work and engage with participants, sparking ideas for future civic action. Attendees encouraged EU institutions to strengthen their support and maintain transparent dialogue to help ECIs effectively reach their goals.
Read the EESC press release and check out these photos from the day.
Missed our February webinar on Understanding Campaign Structures for Effective European Citizens’ Initiative? Watch this recording or read our latest blog post to discover practical role allocation strategies for transnational campaigns.
Join our online course on Essential Skills for ECI Organisers. or read our Guided by expert tutors, this interactive course covers all the key aspects of a successful initiative, from Commission competences, registration, campaigning, and signature collection to data protection, fundraising, advocac