Participation and Influence of European Citizens in Decision-Making Process at the EU Level

Abstract

Following the reform realized by the Lisbon Treaty, the active role of citizens and of the associations that represent them have a central position in the functioning of the Union. Articles 10 and 11 of the Treaty on Union (TEU) emphasizes the importance of participatory democracy in all its aspects and the role played by citizens and associations that represent them in efforts to make public their opinions and to exchange views in all areas of Union action. In the context of the designation of 2013 as the European Year of Citizens, the Union pays special attention to enhance awareness and knowledge of the rights and responsibilities attached to Union citizenship, with a view to stimulating and strengthening active participation of citizens in civic and democratic life of the Union through the Citizens' initiative. Therefore, this study tries to identify obstacles to the exercise of this right and also to expose in a clear, simple and accessible way, the procedures and conditions required for a citizens' initiative.