In the first days of 2026, the first of the year – and the 125th overall – European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) was registered. It is titled “Ethics, Transparency and Integrity for European Political Parties” and focuses on one of the most sensitive issues for democracy today: trust in politics and political parties.
The topic sounds especially strong in the Bulgarian context. Against the backdrop of ongoing political instability, a series of elections and civil protests, issues of ethics and transparency in politics are among the main public topics. It is at this point that the new European initiative puts a clear focus on the need for higher standards for political parties – not only at national but also at European level.
What does the initiative offer?
The initiative calls on the European Commission to develop a European model of ethical governance based on transparency, integrity and shared responsibility. The specific request is for changes to the current rules for European political parties and foundations, so:
to introduce clearer and measurable ethical standards;
to prevent conflicts of interest;
to ensure internal transparency and accountability in decision-making;
to make the receipt of European public funding conditional on compliance with these principles.
Why is the initiative important right now?
The civil protests and public discontent in Bulgaria in recent years clearly show the accumulated disillusionment with the way the political system functions. The lack of transparency, suspicions about dependencies and the feeling of lack of real responsibility strengthen the distance between citizens and institutions.
In this context, the initiative raises a question that underpins the democratic process: how to ensure that political parties – as key actors in power – act with integrity, transparency and in the public interest. The proposed European approach aims to create a common framework for responding to these expectations.
The paradox is indicative: to drive a car, you need exams and checks, but to drive a country, there is no common ethical framework that guarantees integrity and accountability. The European Citizens’ Initiative raises this issue openly and seeks a solution at European level.
How will the initiative be implemented?
Organisers have six months to start collecting signatures from EU citizens. If at least one million signatures from at least seven Member States are collected, the European Commission is obliged to formally examine the proposal and come up with a position and follow-up.
What is the European Citizens’ Initiative?
The European Citizens’ Initiative is a unique tool for citizens’ direct participation in the EU’s democratic process. It gives people the opportunity not only to express a position, but to actively put topics on the agenda of the European Union and to insist on changes in policies and legislation.
How can you get involved?
You can support an already registered European Citizens’ Initiative by giving your signature online here.
You can also set up a European Citizens’ Initiative yourself if you have an idea for a change that affects the lives of people in the EU here.
European democracy is not just about institutions and elections. It is civic energy, participation and responsibility.