Help set the EU's agenda
06 January 2025
EU institutions aren't exactly known for encouraging democratic participation. Yet, if you dig deep enough, there are ways to get involved beyond voting in the EU elections every five years: the European Parliament's lesser-known Petitions Committee (PETI).
PETI is responsible for handling citizen petitions on any topic within the EU's areas of activity (think rights, environmental matters, consumer protection, employment and so on). Any citizen, resident, or legal entity in the EU can submit a petition here or by mail to raise concerns about EU rights, report infringements of EU law, or ask the EP to take a specific official stance on an issue.
Admissible petitions are assessed by PETI committee members, who can then initiate plenary discussions in the EP, ask the Commission to conduct an investigation, initiate a fact-finding mission or decide on any other appropriate solution. In recent years, its activities focused on the environment, equality, diversity, working conditions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and transport/free movement.
 | Toyah Höher PETI titles itself an "ongoing reality check" on the EU's responsiveness to citizens' concerns. It can bring issues brought up in petitions onto the political agenda, indirectly influencing EU policy. During its last term, it reported success in addressing concerns about the pandemic and advancing disability rights. However, since it can only consult the Parliament and the Commission rather than prepare legislation itself, much of its work remains more symbolic than substantive. |
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