ECI Day 2025

Location

EESC
Brussels
Belgium

European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Day 2025 will take place as part of the EESC’s second edition of Civil Society Week, held on 17-20 March, with a focus on the theme of Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies.

The European Economic and Social Committee and its long-time ECI Day partners – Democracy International, the European Citizen Action Service, and The ECI Campaign – invite you to join us on 18 March and discuss together key questions, such as:

What is the role of the European Citizens’ Initiative in combating polarisation? What are the objectives and plans regarding this participatory democracy instrument in the new EU institutional cycle? And how can support be strengthened for the ECI at different levels within the Member States?

Additionally, our interactive workshops will provide valuable advice on the role of civil society organisations in the ECI process, enable peer-to-peer exchange of best practices on fundraising, community building, and communications between ECI organisers, and facilitate discussion of the essential role of impact strategies in enhancing the effectiveness of European Citizens’ Initiatives.

And there is more! ECI organisers and stakeholders will also have networking stands to showcase and present their ongoing initiatives and ECI-related work throughout the event.

Join us to engage with prominent institutional representatives, ECI organisers and supporters, and other stakeholders such as civil society organisations, youth representatives and national economic and social councils. Get involved and have your voice heard!

#ECIDay2025

ECI Day

The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is a key instrument for participatory democracy at European level. Introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, it entered into force in 2012 and allows Europeans to make legislative proposals and participate in decision-making by connecting directly with EU institutions. It is a chance for them to discuss and influence key policies and it sheds further light on the public’s view of the EU’s agenda and priorities. The ECI Day is an important forum and platform where registered and future ECI organisers and stakeholders can exchange information and experiences and present their initiatives and activities to the public.

ECI Day permanent partners

ECI Day research partner