EU democracy needs you: check your European Democracy Passport

With war raging in Ukraine and democracy under threat in Europe, it is clearer than ever that democracy cannot be taken for granted and that it is crucial to defend it and keep it alive every day. We all have to bring our contribution but for that, as the citizens' panels of the Conference on the Future of Europe have rightly pointed out, we need to be well informed about what is going on and about how we can make our voices heard in the democratic processes. In addition, while representative democracy, and therefore elections, remain fundamental, citizens no longer consider that their interests can be represented solely through electoral processes. Participatory processes are all the more important for restoring trust between citizens and their institutions. This is true at all levels, including the EU level.

The Conference on the Future of Europe revealed the public's great interest in democracy and in participation in decision-making. The Citizens' Panel discussing "European democracy/Values and rights, rule of law and security" came up with a number of interesting ideas to improve the way our democracy works. In particular, it highlighted the need to increase people's knowledge of the existing mechanisms for participation and the opportunities offered to citizens to make their voice heard and participate in policy-making. These mechanisms remain largely unknown to the public. The panel therefore called for educational programmes on European citizenship for all age groups.

For participatory processes to work, it is crucial that citizens are made aware of their rights and of the tools available to them to make their voices heard. The European Economic and Social Committee has published, in all 24 EU official languages, a European Democracy Passport, including an interactive version, which explains the options available to citizens and helps them choose the most appropriate tool to address their concerns.

One of these tools is truly unique: the European Citizens' Initiative. By obliging the European Commission to reply to a request for a legal act signed by at least one million people from at least seven EU countries, the ECI can be a powerful tool for citizens to influence the EU agenda and it has already started to achieve results in policy-making.

The European Economic and Social Committee has, from the very earliest days, actively promoted the ECI. Our plenary sessions have hosted organisers of successful citizens' initiatives, so that they can make their case and get a final push. The latest one, entitled 'Save bees and farmers!' was debated at our plenary session on 23 March 2022.

Our Committee is also proud to host the annual ECI Day. With the slogan "The European Citizens' Initiative 10 years on, ready for the future?", this year's event will be an opportunity to look back on the past ten years of this instrument. We will hear about its successes and challenges, and discuss what its future might look like. Special attention will also be paid to the involvement of young people in citizens' initiatives as part of the European Year of Youth. We hope that this year's event will help raise awareness of this very innovative and promising tool, particularly among the younger generation. Save the 2nd June in your diary and join us for the ECI Day!