The first European Citizens’ Initiatives have already been subscribed via the European Commissions’ online registry, but will only be published in a few weeks time. It is expected that several initiatives have already attempted to register, such as the ECI on water as a human right, but we will only know at the end of April which is the first ever ECI to be submitted.

In the meanwhile, for those interested in starting an initiative or only in observing the process, GEF has created several instruments which inform and advise on the ECI process:

• The European Citizens’ Initiative Pocket Guide is GEF's latest publication on the topic: it is a practical guide explaining why and how the ECI can be used.
• The series on upcoming ECIs on GEF’s campaign handbook website gives an overview on the challenges and opportunities this new direct democracy instrument offers from the perspective of ECI organisers themselves.
• The flyer 10 Steps to the European Citizens’ Initiative provides key information on how to engage in an ECI in a concise format.
• The Handbook on the European Citizens’ Initiative is an informative manual on direct democracy and on the innovative dimensions the ECI brings to the field.

To order a copy of the above materials or for more information, please get in touch with the GEF office at info@gef.eu.