(14 February 2018) – The European Commission has today decided to register a European Citizens’ Initiative entitled ‘We are a welcoming Europe, let us help!’
The initiative states: “Governments are struggling to handle migration. Most of us want to help people in need because we care. Millions have stood up to help. Now we want to be heard. Let’s reclaim a Welcoming Europe! We call upon the European Commission to act.”
The organisers call on the Commission to “support local groups that help refugees… stop governments punishing volunteers… defend victims of exploitation, crime and human rights abuses”.
The registration of the initiative starts a one-year process of collection of signatures of support by its organisers. Should the initiative receive one million statements of support within one year, from at least seven different Member States, the Commission will have to react within three months. The Commission can decide either to follow the request or not, and in both instances would be required to explain its reasoning.