Enhancing Democracy in the European Union: The European Citizens’ Initiative as an Instrument for Increasing Citizen Involvement

Abstract: A recurring theme in debates on European Union politics is the lack of enthusiasm and involvement of European citizens in the decision-making and legislative procedures, which may appear complex and impermeable. While some scholars deny the existence of a democratic deficit, others fear that continued failure to bridge the gap between the political elite and the constituents will lead to an ever-deeper crisis of legitimacy. The European Citizens’ Initiative, Article 11.4. TEU, in the Lisbon Treaty on European Union, around which this thesis is centered, is an instrument created to bring politics closer to the people. A set of criteria concerning, amongst others, the amount of signatures, the structure of organisers, and the legality of the proposal, must be met before a European Citizens’ Initiative is finally submitted to the Commission, which then is obliged to on that basis use its sole right to legislative initiative to propose new legislation. There are several challenges to be faced by both future organisers and by the European Union, in order for the European Citizens’ Initiative to reach its potential as a mechanism of enhancing democracy and participation, which will be discussed from direct, participatory, deliberative and responsive aspects of democratic theory.