MEP Marlene Mizzi: citizens must be given stronger voice through European Citizens’ Initiative
The Petitions Committee in the European Parliament has this week unanimously approved new rules for the revision of the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI).
This was a crucial vote in favour of giving a stronger voice to citizens where EU legislation is concerned, MEP Marlene Mizzi explained.
MEP Marlene Mizzi, vice-chair of the Petitions Committee and spokesperson for the S&D on this dossier, spoke directly after the vote. “It is indeed very satisfying to see positive results on this opinion. There was widespread agreement across all the political groups in support of my amendments, aimed at improving the current rules and giving a voice to European citizens when organising, participating or simply supporting a citizens’ initiative. As shadow rapporteur, I had a key role to play in drafting and voting on this strong position that will ensure that the instrument is as citizen-friendly as possible and lives up to its full potential.”
The ECI, which was introduced with the Lisbon Treaty, aims to increase citizens’ role within the EU law-making process by enabling them to influence legislation. “Regretfully, the instrument has fallen short of expectations, and after continuous calls from citizens and the European Parliament, the Commission published new revised rules in September 2017.”
“The Commission’s new proposal will solve several relevant problems, which currently limit the user-friendliness of the instrument. However, the proposal still falls short on some fundamental issues, which are essential in ensuring the future success of the European Citizens’ Initiative,” said MEP Mizzi.
“This was the main objective of my work as a shadows rapporteur, to address the current gaps so that citizens will finally have the same power as the European Parliament and the Council to propose new initiatives and policies at European level. For me, the citizens’ initiative is a direct appeal from the people to the EU to directly shape the political future in Europe,” commented MEP Mizzi.