The European Commission maintains a list of past and present public consultations in various policy activities, which are open to the broader public as well as more targeted groups. Making your voice heard in Europe is easier than you think. Just select the particular policy on which you'd like to comment and fill out a simple questionaire. You can also view the results of past consultations to see how others have influenced the European decision-making process. For an up to date list of open and closed consultations, click here.
Current Consultations
Getting Better Access to Company Information - Commission Consults on the Interconnection of Business Registers: The European Commission has launched a public consultation on possible ways to enhance co-operation between business registers. The objective of the consultation is to improve access to business information and to increase legal certainty surrounding cross-border operations in the EU. Responses to this consultation will be taken into account in assessing the need for legislative or non-legislative initiatives in this area. The deadline for responses is 31 January 2010. The consultation is based on the European Commission's progress report and a green paper on the interconnection of business registers. Responses should be sent at the latest by 31 January 2010 to DG MARKT Unit F2, European Commission, B-1049 Brussels or to markt-complaw@ec.europa.eu More information is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/company/business_registers/index_en.htm
EU Fisheries Policy: The aim of this consultation is to gather views from anyone with an interest in the future of Europe’s fisheries. The results of the consultation will pave the way for a substantial overhaul of the way Europe’s fisheries are managed. This consultation closes on December 31, 2009. To participate, click here.
European Commission Launches Privacy Consultation: On July 10, The European Commission launched a major public consultation on the legal framework for protection of personal data in the EU. The consultation will be open until the end of the year and is expected by many to result in legislative proposals. This consultation closes on December 31, 2009. To participate, click here.
European Commission Launches Consultation on Creative Content Online: On October 22, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the challenge of creating a European Digital Single Market for creative content online like books, music, films or video games. The paper outlines current challenges for rights holders, consumers, and commercial users and invites stakeholders to provide ideas on how to develop vibrant online markets for goods and services protected by intellectual property rights. Deadline for comments is January 5, 2010. http://ec.europa.eu/avpolicy/other_actions/content_online/index_en.htm
EU Role in Global Health: On October 14, the European Commission issued a consultation paper on the EU’s role in global health. The consultation is designed to gather views regarding relevant stakeholders’ rationale, scope, and strategic objectives on what the EU’s position should be on global health. Individuals, organizations, and countries who wish to participate can do so from 14 October 2009 to 9 December 2009 at: DEV-GLOBAL-HEALTH@ec.europa.eu
Past Consultations
Consultation on the International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook: The Commission is holding a consultation on the guidance documents of the ILCD Handbook, which is open to stakeholders and the general public. Life Cycle Assessment refers to the measurement of all environmental impacts of a product from production through disposal. This consultation closes on August 31, 2009. To participate, click here
Transforming the digital dividend opportunity into social benefits and economic growth in Europe: The change from analogue to digital TV in Europe will free up radio frequencies for use by new services. The Commission is soliciting comments on the use of the Digital Dividend radio spectrum released through the transition to digital terrestrial television. This consultation closes on September 4, 2009. To participate in this consultation, click here.
Modernizing ICT Standardization in the EU - The Way Forward: A consultation is currently being held on the recently published white paper describing the changes that have taken place on the standardization of ICT over the last few years. Comments are welcomed from all interested parties on how to move forward and adapt to these changes. This consultation closes on September 15, 2009. Follow this link to respond to the consultation.
Public consultation on post-i2010: priorities for new strategy for European information society (2010-2015): On August 4, the European Commission announced a public consultation to help prepare a new EU strategy for the information society, as the current i2010 strategy is coming to a close this year. All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute to this consultation. This consultation closes on October 9, 2009. Click here for participation details.
Possible approach towards the revision of the Recreational Craft Directive: The purpose of this public consultation is to collect the views and opinions of stakeholders and citizens on issues that may need to be addressed when further amending the directive. The findings of the consultation will be part of the impact assessment, which will accompany The Commission’s proposal to amend the Directive. This consultation closes on July 19, 2009. To participate, click here.
Evaluation and Revision of the Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: The Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (EEAP) of 2006 was adopted to help reach the European Union’s target on energy consumption reduction (20, 20, 20, by 2020.) The plan is set to run until 2012 and is scheduled to have a midterm review to evaluate its results and effectiveness. This consultation will support the upcoming evaluation and revision. This consultation closes on August 3, 2009. To read the background information paper and respond to the online questionnaire, click here.