On 9 May, we commemorate Europe Day, which this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration—a seminal moment in European history. Delivered by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman in 1950, the declaration proposed the pooling of coal and steel production between former adversaries, laying the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community and, ultimately, the European Union.
This day symbolises the EU’s enduring commitment to peace, democratic governance, integration, and diversity. It also serves as a timely opportunity to highlight participatory instruments such as the European Citizens’ Initiative, which empowers citizens to directly engage in shaping EU policies.
The ECI helps bring causes you care about to the EU level, sparking debates, raising awareness, and triggering policy changes. Once an initiative gathers 1 million verified signatures from at least 7 EU countries, the Commission thoroughly assesses the citizens’ demands and adopts an official reply explaining what it will do; in case it decides that no action is needed, the Commission explains why.
Photo: ©European Citizens’ Initiative