About: Carsten Berg
Commission ignoring the ECI’s positive potential for democracy
The European Citizen’s Initiative was labelled a danger by the European Commission, which has grown wary of its use by Eurosceptic campaigners and set out to weaken the only democratic tool by which citizens may directly influence the EU policy agenda, writes Carsten Berg.
The European Citizens’ Initiative needs promised ‘start button’
After over three years of use, none of nearly 50 proposed ECIs have resulted in a legislative proposal. The European Commission simply declined to act, leaving ECI supporters feeling betrayed, writes Carsten Berg.
The European Citizens’ Initiative Can Be Saved
The European Citizens' Initiative in its current form does not work. There is much the Commission can do while still remaining within the limits of the EU treaties, writes Carsten Berg.