The European Commission has officially registered a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) titled “Stop Funding Russia’s War: Phase Out Harmful and Useless Russian Imports into the EU.” Registered on January 29, this initiative urges the Commission to propose immediate and firm measures to eliminate the EU’s remaining import dependencies on Russia and Belarus by implementing sectoral bans or decisive phase-outs.
The organisers aim to stop the flow of EU funds to the Russian state, eliminate structural vulnerabilities in critical supply chains, and reinforce a coherent trade policy based on values. As this initiative meets the formal requirements outlined in the relevant legislation, the Commission deems it legally admissible under the European Citizens’ Initiative Regulation.
It is important to note that the Commission has not evaluated the substance of the proposals at this stage. The registration does not affect the Commission’s ultimate decision on the merits of the initiative or any potential actions it may take. EC will only take action on the initiative if it collects at least one million signatures from EU citizens.
The organisers have 6 months to initiate a 12-month collection period for signatures. If an ECI gathers at least 1 million statements of support within that timeframe and meets the minimum requirements in at least 7 Member States, the Commission is obligated to respond and justify its decision regarding any potential action in response to the initiative.
ECI, launched in April 2012, allows one million citizens from at least seven EU Member States to request legal proposals from the European Commission. Proposals must align with the Commission’s authority and values. So far, 126 initiatives have been registered, reflecting only the organisers’ views.