The Treaty of Lisbon, which entered into force on 1 December last year, provides for the introduction of a "European citizens' initiative" (ECI). In view of the interest expressed in this matter, in particular from NGOs and local government in Scotland, the European Parliament Office in Scotland is hosting a seminar to discuss the European citizens' initiative.
We are delighted that our panel of experts, who will lead the discussions, will include P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, who has been the European Ombudsman since 2003. Other panellists will include Frank McAveety MSP, Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Petitions Committee and Professor Jo Shaw, Salvesen Chair of European Institutions at the University of Edinburgh. This event is free, but does require pre-registration.