News
BackBrussels, 17.2.2014: this day marks a historic event. “Right2water” is the first successful ECI in the history of the European Union. For the first time, the initiators of a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) were heard in the European Parliament. This initiative has been organised by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and opposes privatisations of water and sanitation services in the European Union.
On the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI)
The direct democratic instrument was introduced with the Treaty of Lisbon. The current ECI model was created with a 2012 implementing regulation, according to which 1 million signatures have to be collected across Europe for a cause, which falls into the European Commission’s sphere of competence. In addition, the system of the so-called “double quorums” applies. This means that in at least one quarter of all Member States a certain number of votes has to be achieved. Apart from Germany, Austria belongs to the states, which thanks to the strong mobilisation of the trade unions by far exceeded the amount of votes required.
Provided that all necessary requirements are fulfilled, the initiators of a European Citizens’ Initiative have the right to be heard before the European Parliament. The European Commission is not obliged to propose a legislative initiative; however, it has to provide a written reply to the respective cause within 3 months from receiving the signatures.
“Right2water”: a success story?
This initiative has collected almost 1.9 million signatures across Europe. As the first formal successful ECI, it was discussed on 17.2.2014 in the European Parliament in the presence of the initiators, whose target it was to exempt water and sanitation services from the “liberalisation” of the EU Single Market. Water is a human right, which should not be left to the constraints of a free market, but which should be available in sufficient quantities as a basic right for all citizens. This is not only about drinking water, but concerns the entire sanitary area.
At least in respect of the only recently adopted Directive on the award of concession contracts this intention has been successful, albight with restrictions. The said Directive consents that at least until 2018 the services in the water supply sector will be exempted (about this topic: see AK Newsletter from 30.5.2013).
What will happen next?
It will be interesting to see how the Commission reacts. In the hearing before the European Parliament on 17.2.2014, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič (Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration) in charge of the ECI was pleased about the success of “right2water”. It remains to be seen whether the Commission at last respects the wish of the signatories and finally exempts water from the liberalisation.
As every year, Europe will celebrate “World Water Day” on 22.3.2014. According to the European Commission a decision shall be taken two days earlier what concrete steps will be taken concerning the cause of “right2water”.
In its capacity as an official supporter of this European Citizens’ Initiative, the AK too continues to demand that water is treated as a basic right and not as merchandise. After all, this also concerns the safety and quality of a large number of jobs in public services and the right of consumers to have access to water of the best possible quality at affordable prices.
Further information:
Official site of the European Citizens’ Initiative „right2water“
Livestream of the hearing in the European Parliament
The direct democratic instrument was introduced with the Treaty of Lisbon. The current ECI model was created with a 2012 implementing regulation, according to which 1 million signatures have to be collected across Europe for a cause, which falls into the European Commission’s sphere of competence. In addition, the system of the so-called “double quorums” applies. This means that in at least one quarter of all Member States a certain number of votes has to be achieved. Apart from Germany, Austria belongs to the states, which thanks to the strong mobilisation of the trade unions by far exceeded the amount of votes required.
Provided that all necessary requirements are fulfilled, the initiators of a European Citizens’ Initiative have the right to be heard before the European Parliament. The European Commission is not obliged to propose a legislative initiative; however, it has to provide a written reply to the respective cause within 3 months from receiving the signatures.
“Right2water”: a success story?
This initiative has collected almost 1.9 million signatures across Europe. As the first formal successful ECI, it was discussed on 17.2.2014 in the European Parliament in the presence of the initiators, whose target it was to exempt water and sanitation services from the “liberalisation” of the EU Single Market. Water is a human right, which should not be left to the constraints of a free market, but which should be available in sufficient quantities as a basic right for all citizens. This is not only about drinking water, but concerns the entire sanitary area.
At least in respect of the only recently adopted Directive on the award of concession contracts this intention has been successful, albight with restrictions. The said Directive consents that at least until 2018 the services in the water supply sector will be exempted (about this topic: see AK Newsletter from 30.5.2013).
What will happen next?
It will be interesting to see how the Commission reacts. In the hearing before the European Parliament on 17.2.2014, Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič (Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration) in charge of the ECI was pleased about the success of “right2water”. It remains to be seen whether the Commission at last respects the wish of the signatories and finally exempts water from the liberalisation.
As every year, Europe will celebrate “World Water Day” on 22.3.2014. According to the European Commission a decision shall be taken two days earlier what concrete steps will be taken concerning the cause of “right2water”.
In its capacity as an official supporter of this European Citizens’ Initiative, the AK too continues to demand that water is treated as a basic right and not as merchandise. After all, this also concerns the safety and quality of a large number of jobs in public services and the right of consumers to have access to water of the best possible quality at affordable prices.
Further information:
Official site of the European Citizens’ Initiative „right2water“
Livestream of the hearing in the European Parliament