Right to Petition Changes in Law

ECI allows 1 million citizens from at least one quarter of the EU Member States to invite the European Commission to bring forward proposals for legal acts in areas where the Commission has the power to do so. The organisers of a citizens’ initiative, a citizens’ committee composed of at least 7 EU citizens who are resident in at least 7 different Member States, will have 1 year to collect the necessary statements of support. The number of statements of support has to be certified by the competent authorities in the Member States. The Commission will then have 3 months to examine the initiative and decide how to act on it.

EXAMPLE (ECI): ANIMAL WELFARE – STOP VIVISECTION
This Citizens’ Initiative has provided an opportunity to critically examine how the EU can reinforce its efforts in moving from animal to non-animal based research and testing. The Directive implements the Three Rs – to replace, reduce and refine animal use in Europe – and the Commission underlines the importance of continued efforts by all players, from Member States to the research community, to reach these goals.