A rollercoaster ride toward the ECI

Dutch ECI campaign - Actress Victoria Koblenko signs our petition pro ECI

A rollercoaster ride toward the ECI

01-06-2003

Efler
Michael Efler at a press conference

The inclusion of the European citizens' initiative in the draft constitution is a great success for all those who were involved in the European Referendum Campaign, which was led by Democracy International. For the first time people from different European countries lobbied together for direct democracy while the European treaties were reformed.

In this respect it is even more amazing that our first effort yielded such a success. Michael Efler tells us the story of how the European Citizens Initiative found its way into the EU Constitution.

Six steps to more democracy

Step one: Paving the way

Step two: The breakthrough dinner

Step three: An "informal" working group surprises the Convention

Step four: What kind of "democratic life in the European Union"?

Step five: High noon in the presidium

Next steps: Many hurdles ahead