The European Commission has formally registered a new European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) seeking stronger ethical standards, transparency and integrity

rules for European political parties.

Titled “Ethics, Transparency and Integrity for European Political Parties”, the initiative urges the Commission to develop a European model of ethical governance rooted in transparency, integrity and shared responsibility. Its organisers call on the Commission to propose amendments to existing EU rules on European political parties and foundations, tightening requirements on conflicts of interest, transparency, decision-making processes, unethical behaviour and political funding.

The Commission confirmed that the initiative meets the formal legal criteria set out in the European Citizens’ Initiative Regulation and is therefore admissible. At this stage, however, the Commission has not assessed the substance of the proposal. Registration does not prejudge any future decision on the initiative’s merits or on possible follow-up action.

The next phase begins with the organisers opening a 12-month signature collection period within the next six months. If the initiative gathers at least one million valid signatures from EU citizens, meeting minimum thresholds in at least seven Member States, the Commission will be obliged to examine it and explain what action, if any, it intends to take.

The European Citizens’ Initiative, introduced by the Lisbon Treaty and launched in 2012, allows citizens to invite the Commission to propose legislation in areas where it has the competence to act. To be registered, an initiative must fall within the Commission’s powers, must not be abusive or frivolous, and must respect the EU’s fundamental values.

Since the ECI mechanism was established, the Commission has registered 125 initiatives. The Commission stressed that the content of each initiative reflects solely the views of its organisers and does not represent the Commission’s position.