Get involved in EU policymaking

Want to get involved in European policymaking? There are several options open to you:

European Citizens’ Initiative

Do you want the EU to legislate on an issue that matters to you? You could consider starting a European citizens' initiative, asking the European Commission to propose a legal act on that issue.

Once an initiative has reached 1 million signatures (with a minimum number from at least 7 EU countries, to ensure the support is genuinely widespread), the Commission will decide what action to take, if any.

Petitioning the European Parliament

You can petition the European Parliament on issues related to EU policies that affect you directly – either as an individual (citizen, resident) or organisation, company, etc.

Consultations and other ways to give feedback

The Commission’s Better regulation agenda has opened up more opportunities to contribute to EU policymaking:

• Give your input on proposed EU action on the Have Your Say portal
• Share your views and suggestions about simplifying existing EU laws on the Have Your Say - Simplify! portal

Citizens’ Dialogues

Citizens' Dialogues are held in cities across the EU. They give you the chance to discuss issues you are concerned about with representatives of the European Parliament, Commission and other EU bodies.

Conference on the future of Europe

If you have any views on the broad direction the EU should take in future, you can share them in the new, pan-European initiative, the Conference on the future of Europe, organised jointly by the European Parliament, Council and European Commission.

The Conference aims to give you a greater say in shaping Europe's future. It will reach far beyond EU capitals, reaching every corner of Europe, to fully reflect our diversity and strengthen the link between Europeans and the institutions that serve them.

It will do so through a multitude of events and debates across the EU, including via ‘Citizens’ Panels’ and a new interactive, multilingual digital platform.

Formal complaints

Lodge a complaint with the European Commission — if you think a particular EU country is not implementing EU law correctly.
Lodge a complaint with the European Ombudsman — if you think an EU institution has acted illegally or made an administrative error.
Report fraud involving EU funding/EU staff to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).

If you’re not sure who to send your complaint to, contact Europe Direct

Transparency Register

Do you represent an organisation (or are you a self-employed individual) involved in activities that influence EU policymaking and decision-making processes?

If so, you can subscribe to the EU Transparency Register, jointly operated by the European Parliament and the Commission. In return for helping make the policymaking process more transparent, you will be entitled to certain members’ benefits.

Get involved in European policy making

What is a European Citizens’ Initiative? How does it work?

Animation explaining what the European Citizens’ Initiative is and how it works

How it works: Petitions to the European Parliament

Do you have a complaint or a request that relates to one of the EU's areas of activity? Before sending it to the Petitions Committee have a look how it works (29/03/2012).

/european-union/file/european-citizens-initiative_enEuropean Citizens Initiative

European Citizens Initiative

The new rules for the European Citizens Initiative, from 1 January 2020, have been shaped by contributions from thousands of citizens and organisations across the EU. They make it easier to launch and support citizens' initiatives that request concrete changes to EU laws.

Downloads

Guide to the European citizens’ initiative