1. The European Ombudsman
The state of play of the ECI

2. The European Ombudsman
Start as new EO in October 2013
Times of economic crisis and political legitimacy
People losing trust in their own governments and in the EU
“My voice does not count in Brussels”
EO to help re-establish trust in EU administration
Bridge gap between EU and civil society

3. EO helps to establish trust in EU administration
EU institutions need to adhere to “gold standards”
Efficiency, transparency, ethical behaviour, accountability
New Treaty provisions for citizens’ involvement
ECI, dialogue with civil society, access to all EU documents
EO: strategic investigations
Start of ECI investigation in December 2013

4. The EO’s role in ECIs
Redress mechanism for complaints about handling of ECIs
Failure or delay to reply
Lack of transparency
Challenge a decision not to register an ECI
Are the Commission's conclusions reasonable?
EO for legal follow-up (are the legal arguments for not taking action convincing?)
EP for political follow-up

5. Why an investigation into the ECI?
ECI – key in empowering citizens to participate in EU decision-making
EO commitment to pay particular attention to the way in which this new citizens’ right is implemented
Encourage and support efforts to improve the ECI procedure
First step: invite feedback

6. Feedback collected until end March
EO invited ECI organisers, civil society organisations and other interested persons to submit feedback
What can be done to raise awareness about ECIs?
Information and guidance provided to ECI organisers? 
Functionality and usefulness of the Commission's software for collecting signatures online?
Concerns about treatment of personal data provided by citizens signing an ECI? 
Experiences as regards the contacts with different national authorities in relation to ECIs? 
Possible changes to the ECI Regulation?

7. State of play of ECI investigation
Around 20 replies received
From ECI organisers, civil society organisations, citizens
Information gathering also includes studies, reports
Analysis of feedback has started
Online publication of contributions
EO will ask the Commission to respond

8. Some initial ideas – at a glance
Many procedures – too bureaucratic
Harmonise personal data requirements across MS (currently 28 different signature forms)
Many expats cannot sign ECIs
Eliminate ID number requirements – privacy concerns
Lower the age threshold to 16
Technical and other weaknesses of signature collection system
Lengthen signature collection time to 18 months
Provide legal advice and other support to ECIs
Admissibility check – often too restrictive (40% drop out)
Increase public awareness

9. The way forward ECIs – already stirred excellent debates
Two ECIs crossed the threshold
More than 5 million EU citizens signed up to more than 20 different initiatives
Momentum will grow for people’s participation
Work in progress
EO remains open for complaints and feedback

10.
@EUOmbudsman