Brussels, 03/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Citizens, businesses and non-governmental organisations have, since 1 January 2012, at least 12 weeks in which to comment on plans for new policies and legislation, compared to the eight weeks previously allowed, the European Commission announced on Tuesday 3 January. The Commission considers this extension will “make it easier for them to get involved in EU policy-making at an early stage”. An “alert service”, which sets out initiatives to come, has also been created. Thus, organisations that sign up for the Transparency Register can subscribe to the service to obtain early information on roadmaps for new initiatives in specific fields of interest about one year before the initiatives are adopted. “A key part of getting our policies right is listening to the people who will be affected by them. By keeping our consultations open longer we will strengthen the voice of the citizens, businesses and organisations that help us shape our policies for the benefit of all”, explained Commission President José Manuel Barroso. (CG/transl.jl)