The eParticipation initiative

The eparticipation initiative aims at harnessing the benefits of the use of ICTs for better legislative process / better legislation at all levels of governmental decision making and for an enhanced public participation in such processes. In 2006 this Action will support the launching of a limited number of trial projects and studies, while preparing for the 2007 Work programme.

Applications are invited from consortiums of at least two organisations to explore the benefits and difficulties of using ICT in encouraging public participation in the development, creation and monitoring of government legislation, and in reducing the democratic deficit.

The first work plan has just been agreed. The programme will be rolled out over the coming months, and at this stage the Commission is looking to support a limited number of trial projects with grants up to €300,000. This pilot phase will concentrate on looking at the limitations of existing ICT tools in helping communication between governments, the legislative institutions, and citizens and groups of citizens.

Projects should address improvements at at least one of four levels:

• The legislation proposal formation stage (e.g. by Ministries and relevant institutions);
• The debate on draft legislation (e.g. in Parliaments and with citizens, businesses, NGOs and other socio-economic groups);
• The implementation level;
• The follow-up/monitoring of the legislation life cycle (e.g. amendments, impacts, etc).

Full details of the programme and the work plan are available here

Closing date: 4 October 2006.