Dr Elena Danescu, Manager of the ED-UNILU is an ECI Ambassador and took part in the Network Meeting.
The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is an important tool of participatory democracy available to European citizens to have an effective involvement in shaping EU policies that affect their lives.
Agenda
Welcome to new members
• Katerina – Europe Direct Central Macedonia /American Farm School of Thessaloniki, Greece
• Jean-Christophe – Council of the European Union
Initiative updates:
• New registrations
o 2 on 11 September – PyschedeliCare and ECI for a Water-Smart and Resilient Europe
o (reminder) – 2 on 24 July – ‘Stop Cruelty Stop Slaughter’ and ‘Stop Fake Food: Origin on the label’ )
Total number registered since 2012 = 118 – and over 1000 ECI organisers since 2012
• 10 collecting signatures; 2 will start later this month (‘Stop Fake Food’ and ‘Stop Cruelty Stop Slaughter’)
Questions and input from network members
o Panel and Workshop ‘European Citizens Initiative : A Unique Public Transport Pass – Stakeholder Perspectives and Communication Campaign’ part of Democracy Beyond Elections event organised the Intercultural Dialogue Platform (more details and the full programme here: https://info-hub.booking.europarl.europa.eu/events/democracy-beyond-elections-qWRcg54DLQL)
• ED Banskobystrický region, Slovakia – gave recap of experience over the summer at Pohoda festival (promoting ECI in EU Fun Zone)
• EC Europahaus Klagenfurt/Carinthia, Austria – 3-days coming up in November for political workshops (with space to discuss ECI) and a traveling exhibition/workshop that targets students (15-21 y.o.) with roll-ups and information
• European Youth Parliament (EYP) Austria – planning 3 upcoming events and also working with students – interested in discussing with Marc. EYP Austria is also preparing to apply for Erasmus+ funding and is looking for partner organisations – feel free to reach out to Nico – nico.janis@eyp.at
• ED Central Macedonia, Greece – upcoming event in Thessaloniki on 15/9 – larger banner to take pictures, book for people to leave ECI ideas in and give-away mug with ECI branding + leaflets; there is also a ‘Conference in Discourse’ where she will talk about the ECI on 26-27 Sept.
• The ECI educational toolkit – made especially for secondary school teachers and students – which is available in all languages