Cecilia Wikström, rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. – (SV) Madam President, prior to the decision to adopt the Treaty of Lisbon, politicians spoke warmly of the opportunity that citizens’ initiatives would bring. We must now ensure that this becomes a powerful reform for democracy and not a paper tiger.

I was the rapporteur for the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and I was pleased to table proposals that would make things easier for citizens. For example, we wanted to get young people involved and therefore proposed an age limit of 16 for raising an initiative. An age limit of 18 was decided on, which I may regret, but these are still young people we are talking about. We also extended the time frame to 24 months. Now it has become 12 months, but I am nevertheless pleased to have a compromise, because I am essentially a positive person.

On the other hand, we note that a large amount of work will be necessary on the part of those who submit an initiative, but I hope that we will take up the challenge to ensure that citizens’ initiatives are received with respect and in a constructive and positive spirit in the institutions of the EU.

Finally, I would like to thank all my fellow Members for their excellent cooperation on this important initiative.