On Wednesday 19 September, the College of European Commissioners decided to register two new European citizens' initiatives (ECIs).
The first, entitled "Stop fraud and abuse of EU funds", calls for reinforced controls in the member states not participating in the European Public Prosecutor's Office, to protect the financial interests of the EU. It will be registered on 27 September.
In its decision, the Court however adds that under the Treaties, no proposals may differentiate between member states solely on the criterion of whether they are participating in the enhanced cooperation for the European Public Prosecutor's Office, but they may for objective reasons: for instance, if the level of protection of the financial interests of the EU differs between member states.
As for the second ECI, entitled "Eat ORIGINal! Unmask your food", this calls for a compulsory declaration of origin for all food products, in order to prevent fraud, protect public health and uphold consumers' rights to information.
The registration of this initiative will take place on 2 October and will mark the start of a 12-month process, during which support signatures will be collected by organisers. If, within the space of the year, the initiative gathers a million statements of support from at least seven different member states, the Commission will then have three months to decide whether or not to accede to the request. (Original version in French by Marion Fontana)