The EU gives citizens several formal ways to speak up before a law is written, or after something has gone wrong.
Public consultations
Before drafting most new legislation, the European Commission runs an open consultation — anyone can submit views, not just experts or organisations.
European Citizens’ Initiative
Gather one million signatures across at least seven member states, and the Commission is obliged to formally respond to your proposal.
Petitions to the European Parliament
Any EU citizen or resident can petition Parliament directly about a matter that falls within the EU’s areas of responsibility.
Complaints to the European Ombudsman
If an EU institution has mishandled your case — unreasonable delay, refusal of information, unfairness — the Ombudsman can investigate.