ECI educational toolkit

The aim of the educational toolkit is to equip students with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to be active and engaged EU citizens. As part of this exploration, the toolkit focuses on the European Citizens’ Initiative. By the end of the course, students will have a clear idea of the purpose of the Citizens’ Initiative, how it works, how it fits within the broader context of democracy in the European Union, and how they can use it to bring about change in their world. 

The toolkit is designed for high schools and can be used flexibly in civics lessons or where a topic-based approach is used. It is available in all the official EU languages. The toolkit can be used in the national language, in a foreign language class, or as part of a CLIL course.  

What teachers are saying:  

‘What me and my students appreciated the most was the fact that in an engaging and concise way they acquired a lot of knowledge about the topic that is neglected in school. The reference materials available on the EU websites have been practically interwoven with the course of the lessons and activities for students. The learners are directed at particular resources with concrete tasks, so they see a connection to the documents and yet are not overwhelmed by the volume of the resources.’

- secondary school teacher from Poland who piloted the toolkit 

‘I have asked my students their opinion on the materials and I have to say they have liked them very much. They didn't know a lot about the European Citizen's Initiative, and they found the materials interesting. They enjoyed the approach chosen to present everything and work on the information, and they especially liked the videos, they found them short and clear, which they appreciated.’

- secondary school teacher from Spain who piloted the toolkit 

What is the European Citizens’ Initiative?

The European Citizens’ Initiative allows EU citizens to influence EU policies by putting on the EU agenda the issues that matter most to them. A citizens’ initiative brings together people from different EU countries to collect signatures and call on the European Commission to propose laws in areas where the Commission has powers to act. It is a bottom-up way of starting a political debate and raising awareness of common causes which unite people across borders. The tool was launched in 2012, and is now bearing fruit, with several initiatives leading to concrete legal proposals by the European Commission. 

What is in the educational toolkit?

The toolkit consists of four thematic units, each with a different focus, moving from more general information about the European Union to specific information and activities related to the European Citizens’ Initiative, as follows: 

1. A brief introduction to the European Union 
2. Democracy in the European Union 
3. The European Citizens’ Initiative 
4. Develop and promote a European Citizens’ Initiative 

The toolkit includes the following materials:

• A Teacher’s Pack, including instructions for each lesson, an answer key, extra information, and links for further research. 
• A Student’s Pack to be used for class and homework in the form of both revision and further research. Links are provided to relevant internet sites available in all official EU languages. 
• PowerPoint presentations for use in class including text and video (optional). 
• Links to video files. All videos used in the module are available in all official EU languages. 
• Optional activities in each unit in the form of project work. 
• A factsheet for further exploration of the history of the European Union. 
• A factsheet on the EU areas of action. 
• An exit quiz. 

What methodological approaches are used?

The material is designed to use several approaches to teaching/learning: 

• Direct presentation 
• Group discussion 
• Group work 
• Project work 
• Individual study 
• Research work 
• Problem solving 
• Role play 
• Filming 

Update for Unit 2: The maximum number of Members of the European Parliament is 750 (plus the President). In the 2024-2029 term, the total number is 720.

Have you already used the toolkit? Please share your feedback in the survey for teachers

If you have additional questions, please contact:

eci_team@eutaketheinitiative.eu