Why waiting for the paralysed EU Institutions?

European Civil Society demands European Citizens Initiative facing hesitant Wallstrom

The editor of euractiv, De Backer, stated during a public debate spontaneously: "Why waiting for the paralysed EU Institutions? Why not taking it into our own hands and collect a million signatures for the European Citizens' Initiative?"

He was reacting to EU Commissioner Margot Wallstrom who argued against the idea to introduce the ECI quickly. From her point this cherry picking is not allowed.

Cherry picking is technical term. It is used to explain the process of implementing some parts of the EU Constitution - those parts which could be implemented without taking care for the negative referendums in France and the Netherlands. The Commission, EU-sceptics and others - rightly - reject this idea. Of course, we do this, too.

But what is the correct answer to the referendums? That we deny the right of the citizens to get active in the European law making? It is obvious that the citizens must have a say in European affairs. The no votes were stipulated by the lack of democracy. This problem must be solved as soon as possible. It endangers the basis of the European Union. And the ECI is a step in the right direction.

A million Europeans demanding the introduction of the ECI would underline this simple demand. And of course disprove the argument of cherry picking for this specific element of the EU Constitution. A cherry wanted by one million Europeans can be picked.

During the public debate De Backer was not the only one demanding the European Citizens' Initiative. Jillian van Tournhout (Ireland, Childrens Protection Organisation), Daniel Spoel (Belgium, Permanent Forum of Civil Society) and Rob Tesh (UK, European Students Forum) spoke in the same direction. .

The debate took place on the conference "Bridge the Gap: how to bring Europe and its citizens closer together?" It was organised in the European Social and Economic Committee on 7./8. November 2005.

During this conference the open space method was used: the participants implement their own working groups and discuss about those issues, which they think are important. Around 250 persons coming from different backgrounds like ATTAC and Brussels based economic lobby groups gathered. Rob Tesh established a well-attended working group about the ECI.

Conclusion: Civil Society is not paralysed, but looking for answers...