Introduction

CitizenCentral puts a spotlight on European citizens’ initiatives. In each episode, initiative organisers and supporters tell us why their initiative is important and how they experience raising awareness at EU level.

Our host, journalist Méabh Mc Mahon, also interviews different policy experts and academics to further explore the issues put forward by these initiatives. 

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Along the way, we learn more about the European Citizens’ Initiative process and gain tips from the point of view of organisers.   

CitizenCentral helps you discover what the European Citizens’ Initiative is and how this tool makes it possible to have a greater say in policies that affect your life. 

CitizenCentral podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and SoundCloud. 

The opinions expressed in the podcasts reflect solely the point of view of the speakers and can in no way be taken to reflect the position of the European Commission or of the European Union.

Episode show notes

3: Focus on the environment: featuring ‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’, ‘Green Garden Roof Tops’ and ‘Grow scientific progress: crops matter’ ECIs 

In the third chapter of CitizenCentral we hear from Nils Kluger, Almog Sade and Martina Helmlinger - covering environmental topics on land and in the sea. The Stop Finning - Stop the Trade citizens’ initiative aims to end the trade with shark fins within the EU. The Green Garden Roof Tops initiative – launched by two siblings and a group of friends – wants to use existing empty space on corporations’ rooftops to convert into green areas. We also hear from a Grow scientific progress: crops matter initiative organiser. The initiative closed in the summer of 2021, yet her reflections offer many tips for people wanting to work on an ECI.  

2: Participating in democracy: featuring ‘Civil Servant Exchange Program’ and ‘Voters Without Borders’ ECIs 

In the second chapter of CitizenCentral we hear from Adam Mazoyer and Rosalie van den Brink as they discuss two European citizens’ initiatives focused on strengthening civic engagement in our communities. The Civil Servant Exchange Program (CSEP) aims to help civil servants learn from one another and better address transnational issues - from natural disasters to cybersecurity and beyond. The Voters Without Borders initiative makes a case for increasing the democratic rights of EU citizens who want to vote in national elections where they live. 

1: Welcome to CitizenCentral: featuring ‘Fridays for Future’ and ‘Save Bees and Farmers’ ECIs 

Tune in to the first chapter of CitizenCentral to listen to Paula Reyes and Helmut Burtscher as they discuss two European citizens’ initiatives with signature collection periods ending in late-September 2021. ‘Actions on Climate Emergency’ (closing 23 September 2021) and ‘Save bees and Farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment’ (closing 30 September 2021) are two of the many citizens’ initiatives related to climate change and biodiversity over the years.