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.
The educational toolkit is available both digitally and in print.
The toolkit really helps introduce students to EU history and to the policies and work the EU carries out. All the materials are easy to use and well prepared for the classroom. The student pack is a good resource for students to take notes and review what they’re learning.
What my students and I appreciated most was how much they learned, in such an engaging and concise way, about a topic that’s usually neglected in school. The reference materials available on EU websites were woven right into the lessons and activities. Learners were pointed to specific resources with concrete tasks, so they could see the connection to the documents without feeling overwhelmed by the volume of material.
I asked my students their opinion on the materials, and they liked them very much. They didn't know a lot about the European Citizens' Initiative beforehand but found the materials interesting. They enjoyed the approach to presenting and working with the information, and especially liked the videos, which they found short and clear.
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 topics does the toolkit cover?
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:
- A brief introduction to the European Union
- Democracy in the European Union
- The European Citizens’ Initiative
- Develop and promote a European Citizens’ Initiative
What materials are included in the toolkit?
- 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
Download the toolkit material
Use the tabs below to find the teacher's pack, student's pack, or unit presentations.
Need a different language? Use the dropdown below the file.
Prefer a printed copy? Request a print copy.
EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – teacher’s pack
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – teacher’s pack
- La democracia de la UE en acción – Expresa tu opinión con la ICE - Material para profesores
- Demokracie EU v praxi-Vyjádřete svůj názor za pomoci evropské občanské iniciativy-Balíček pro učitele
- EU-demokrati i aktion - Bliv hørt med det europæiske borgerinitiativ - Lærerpakke
- Aktive Demokratie in der EU – werde Teil der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative - Handreichungen für Lehrkräfte
- Demokraatia toimimine ELis – avalda arvamust Euroopa kodanikualgatuse kaudu - Õpetaja komplekt
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – teacher’s pack
- La démocratie de l’UE en action–Donnez votre avis avec l’initiative citoyenne européenne-Dossier de l'enseignant
- Daonlathas an Aontais-Cuir do thuairim in iúl le huirlisí an Tionscnaimh Eorpaigh ó na Saoránaigh-Pacáiste an Mhúinteora
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – teacher’s pack
- La democrazia dell'UE in azione - Di' la tua con l'iniziativa dei cittadini europei - Pacchetto per gli insegnanti
- ES demokrātija darbībā – paudiet savu viedokli ar Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu - SKOLOTĀJA KOMPLEKTS
- Veiksminga ES demokratija_Išsakykite savo nuomonę – dalyvaukite Europos piliečių iniciatyvoje - MOKYTOJO DOKUMENTŲ RINKINYS
- Vegyél részt az EU demokratikus életében - az európai polgári kezdeményezés segítségével - TANÁRI CSOMAG
- Id-Demokrazija tal-UE fl-Azzjoni - Semma’ Leħnek bl-Inizjattiva taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej - PAKKETT GĦALL-GĦALLIEMA
- EU-democratie in actie - Geef uw mening met het Europees burgerinitiatief - LERARENPAKKET
- Demokracja UE w akcji - Też masz głos – Europejska inicjatywa obywatelska - Pakiet dla nauczyciela
- A Democracia em Ação na UE - Dê a sua opinião com a Iniciativa de Cidadania Europeia - PACOTE PARA PROFESSORES
- Democrația UE în acțiune - Exprimă-ți părerea cu inițiativa cetățenească europeană - Dosar pentru cadrele
- Demokracia EÚ v praxi – vyjadrite svoj názor s európskou iniciatívou občanov - UČITEĽSKÝ BALÍČEK
- DEMOKRACIJA EU V PRAKSI - Povejte svoje mnenje z evropsko državljansko pobudo - KOMPLET ZA UČITELJE IN UČITELJICE
- EU-demokratiaa käytännössä – Vaikuta kansalaisaloitteella - Opettajan paketti
- EU-demokrati i praktiken – Tyck till med det europeiska medborgarinitiativet - Lärarpaket
EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – student’s pack
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – student’s pack
- La democracia de la UE en acción – Expresa tu opinión con la ICE - Material para estudiantes
- Demokracie EU v praxi-Vyjádřete svůj názor za pomoci evropské občanské iniciativy-Balíček pro studenty
- EU-demokrati i aktion - Bliv hørt med det europæiske borgerinitiativ - Elevpakke
- Aktive Demokratie in der EU – werde Teil der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative - Material für Schüler:innen
- Demokraatia toimimine ELis – avalda arvamust Euroopa kodanikualgatuse kaudu - Õpilase komplekt
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – student’s pack
- La démocratie de l’UE en action–Donnez votre avis avec l’initiative citoyenne européenne-Dossier de l’élève
- Daonlathas an Aontais-Cuir do thuairim in iúl le huirlisí an Tionscnaimh Eorpaigh ó na Saoránaigh-Pacáiste an Scoláire
- Demokracija EU-a na djelu – Iznesite svoje mišljenje s pomoću europske građanske inicijative - PAKET ZA UČENIKE
- La democrazia dell'UE in azione - Di' la tua con l'iniziativa dei cittadini europei - Pacchetto per gli studenti
- ES demokrātija darbībā – paudiet savu viedokli ar Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu - SKOLĒNA KOMPLEKTS
- Veiksminga ES demokratija_Išsakykite savo nuomonę – dalyvaukite Europos piliečių iniciatyvoje - STUDENTO DOKUMENTŲ RINKINYS
- Vegyél részt az EU demokratikus életében - az európai polgári kezdeményezés segítségével - TANULÓI CSOMAG
- Id-Demokrazija tal-UE fl-Azzjoni - Semma’ Leħnek bl-Inizjattiva taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej - PAKKETT TAL-ISTUDENT
- EU-democratie in actie - Geef uw mening met het Europees burgerinitiatief - STUDENTENPAKKET
- Demokracja UE w akcji - Też masz głos – Europejska inicjatywa obywatelska - Pakiet dla ucznia
- A Democracia em Ação na UE - Dê a sua opinião com a Iniciativa de Cidadania Europeia - PACOTE PARA ALUNOS
- Democrația UE în acțiune - Exprimă-ți părerea cu inițiativa cetățenească europeană - Dosar pentru elevi
- Demokracia EÚ v praxi – vyjadrite svoj názor s európskou iniciatívou občanov - ŠTUDENTSKÝ BALÍČEK
- DEMOKRACIJA EU V PRAKSI - Povejte svoje mnenje z evropsko državljansko pobudo - KOMPLET ZA DIJAKE IN DIJAKINJE
- EU-demokratiaa käytännössä – Vaikuta kansalaisaloitteella - Oppilaan paketti
- EU-demokrati i praktiken – Tyck till med det europeiska medborgarinitiativet - Elevpaket
EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 1
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 1
- La democracia de la UE en acción–Expresa tu opinión con la Iniciativa Ciudadana Europea - Unidad 1
- Demokracie EU v praxi-Vyjádřete svůj názor za pomoci evropské občanské iniciativy-Lekce 1
- EU-demokrati i aktion - Bliv hørt med det europæiske borgerinitiativ - Enhed 1
- Aktive Demokratie in der EU – werde Teil der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative - Lektion 1
- Demokraatia toimimine ELis – avalda arvamust Euroopa kodanikualgatuse kaudu - 1. osa
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 1
- La démocratie de l’UE en action–Donnez votre avis avec l’initiative citoyenne européenne- Unité 1
- Daonlathas an Aontais-Cuir do thuairim in iúl le huirlisí an Tionscnaimh Eorpaigh ó na Saoránaigh-Aonad 1
- Demokracija EU-a na djelu – Iznesite svoje mišljenje s pomoću europske građanske inicijative - Lekcija 1
- La democrazia dell'UE in azione - Di' la tua con l'iniziativa dei cittadini europei - Unità 1
- ES demokrātija darbībā – paudiet savu viedokli ar Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu - 1-nodaļa
- Veiksminga ES demokratija_Išsakykite savo nuomonę – dalyvaukite Europos piliečių iniciatyvoje - 1 skyrius
- Vegyél részt az EU demokratikus életében - az európai polgári kezdeményezés segítségével - 1 egység
- Id-Demokrazija tal-UE fl-Azzjoni - Semma’ Leħnek bl-Inizjattiva taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej - Unità 1
- EU-democratie in actie - Geef uw mening met het Europees burgerinitiatief - Unit 1
- Demokracja UE w akcji - Też masz głos – Europejska inicjatywa obywatelska - Część 1
- A Democracia em Ação na UE - Dê a sua opinião com a Iniciativa de Cidadania Europeia - Unidade 1
- Democrația UE în acțiune - Exprimă-ți părerea cu inițiativa cetățenească europeană - Unitatea 1
- Demokracia EÚ v praxi – vyjadrite svoj názor s európskou iniciatívou občanov - 1-lekcia
- DEMOKRACIJA EU V PRAKSI - Povejte svoje mnenje z evropsko državljansko pobudo - 1-SKLOP
- EU-demokratiaa käytännössä – Vaikuta kansalaisaloitteella - Osa 1
- EU-demokrati i praktiken – Tyck till med det europeiska medborgarinitiativet - Enhet 1
EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – Unit 2
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – Unit 2
- La democracia de la UE en acción–Expresa tu opinión con la Iniciativa Ciudadana Europea - Unidad 2
- Demokracie EU v praxi-Vyjádřete svůj názor za pomoci evropské občanské iniciativy-Lekce 2
- EU-demokrati i aktion - Bliv hørt med det europæiske borgerinitiativ - Enhed
- Aktive Demokratie in der EU – werde Teil der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative - Lektion 2
- Demokraatia toimimine ELis – avalda arvamust Euroopa kodanikualgatuse kaudu - 2. osa
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative – Unit 2
- La démocratie de l’UE en action–Donnez votre avis avec l’initiative citoyenne européenne- Unité 2
- Daonlathas an Aontais-Cuir do thuairim in iúl le huirlisí an Tionscnaimh Eorpaigh ó na Saoránaigh-Aonad 2
- Demokracija EU-a na djelu – Iznesite svoje mišljenje s pomoću europske građanske inicijative - Lekcija 2
- La democrazia dell'UE in azione - Di' la tua con l'iniziativa dei cittadini europei - Unità 2
- ES demokrātija darbībā – paudiet savu viedokli ar Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu - 2-nodaļa
- Veiksminga ES demokratija_Išsakykite savo nuomonę – dalyvaukite Europos piliečių iniciatyvoje - 2 skyrius
- Vegyél részt az EU demokratikus életében - az európai polgári kezdeményezés segítségével - 2 egység
- Id-Demokrazija tal-UE fl-Azzjoni - Semma’ Leħnek bl-Inizjattiva taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej - Unità 2
- EU-democratie in actie - Geef uw mening met het Europees burgerinitiatief - Unit 2
- Demokracja UE w akcji - Też masz głos – Europejska inicjatywa obywatelska - Część 2
- A Democracia em Ação na UE - Dê a sua opinião com a Iniciativa de Cidadania Europeia - Unidade 2
- Democrația UE în acțiune - Exprimă-ți părerea cu inițiativa cetățenească europeană - Unitatea 2
- Demokracia EÚ v praxi – vyjadrite svoj názor s európskou iniciatívou občanov - 2-lekcia
- DEMOKRACIJA EU V PRAKSI - Povejte svoje mnenje z evropsko državljansko pobudo - 2-SKLOP
- EU-demokratiaa käytännössä – Vaikuta kansalaisaloitteella - Osa 2
- EU-demokrati i praktiken – Tyck till med det europeiska medborgarinitiativet - Enhet 2
EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 3
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 3
- La democracia de la UE en acción–Expresa tu opinión con la Iniciativa Ciudadana Europea - Unidad 3
- Demokracie EU v praxi-Vyjádřete svůj názor za pomoci evropské občanské iniciativy-Lekce 3
- EU-demokrati i aktion - Bliv hørt med det europæiske borgerinitiativ - Enhed 3
- Aktive Demokratie in der EU – werde Teil der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative - Lektion 3
- Demokraatia toimimine ELis – avalda arvamust Euroopa kodanikualgatuse kaudu - 3. osa
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 3
- La démocratie de l’UE en action–Donnez votre avis avec l’initiative citoyenne européenne- Unité 3
- Daonlathas an Aontais-Cuir do thuairim in iúl le huirlisí an Tionscnaimh Eorpaigh ó na Saoránaigh-Aonad 3
- Demokracija EU-a na djelu – Iznesite svoje mišljenje s pomoću europske građanske inicijative - Lekcija 3
- La democrazia dell'UE in azione - Di' la tua con l'iniziativa dei cittadini europei - Unità 3
- ES demokrātija darbībā – paudiet savu viedokli ar Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu - 3-nodaļa
- Veiksminga ES demokratija_Išsakykite savo nuomonę – dalyvaukite Europos piliečių iniciatyvoje - 3 skyrius
- Vegyél részt az EU demokratikus életében - az európai polgári kezdeményezés segítségével - 3 egység
- Id-Demokrazija tal-UE fl-Azzjoni - Semma’ Leħnek bl-Inizjattiva taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej - Unità 3
- EU-democratie in actie - Geef uw mening met het Europees burgerinitiatief - Unit 3
- Demokracja UE w akcji - Też masz głos – Europejska inicjatywa obywatelska - Część 3
- A Democracia em Ação na UE - Dê a sua opinião com a Iniciativa de Cidadania Europeia - Unidade 3
- Democrația UE în acțiune - Exprimă-ți părerea cu inițiativa cetățenească europeană - Unitatea 3
- Demokracia EÚ v praxi – vyjadrite svoj názor s európskou iniciatívou občanov - 3-lekcia
- DEMOKRACIJA EU V PRAKSI - Povejte svoje mnenje z evropsko državljansko pobudo - 3-SKLOP
- EU-demokratiaa käytännössä – Vaikuta kansalaisaloitteella - Osa 3
- EU-demokrati i praktiken – Tyck till med det europeiska medborgarinitiativet - Enhet 3
EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 4
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 4
- La democracia de la UE en acción-Expresa tu opinión con la Iniciativa Ciudadana Europea - Unidad 4
- Demokracie EU v praxi-Vyjádřete svůj názor za pomoci evropské občanské iniciativy-Lekce 4
- EU-demokrati i aktion - Bliv hørt med det europæiske borgerinitiativ - Enhed
- Aktive Demokratie in der EU – werde Teil der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative - Lektion 4
- Demokraatia toimimine ELis – avalda arvamust Euroopa kodanikualgatuse kaudu - 4. osa
- EU Democracy in Action - Have Your Say with the European Citizens' Initiative - Unit 4
- La démocratie de l’UE en action–Donnez votre avis avec l’initiative citoyenne européenne- Unité 4
- Daonlathas an Aontais-Cuir do thuairim in iúl le huirlisí an Tionscnaimh Eorpaigh ó na Saoránaigh-Aonad 4
- Demokracija EU-a na djelu – Iznesite svoje mišljenje s pomoću europske građanske inicijative - Lekcija 4
- La democrazia dell'UE in azione - Di' la tua con l'iniziativa dei cittadini europei - Unità 4
- ES demokrātija darbībā – paudiet savu viedokli ar Eiropas pilsoņu iniciatīvu - 4-nodaļa
- Veiksminga ES demokratija_Išsakykite savo nuomonę – dalyvaukite Europos piliečių iniciatyvoje - 4 skyrius
- Vegyél részt az EU demokratikus életében - az európai polgári kezdeményezés segítségével - 4 egység
- Id-Demokrazija tal-UE fl-Azzjoni - Semma’ Leħnek bl-Inizjattiva taċ-Ċittadini Ewropej - Unità 4
- EU-democratie in actie - Geef uw mening met het Europees burgerinitiatief - Unit 4
- Demokracja UE w akcji - Też masz głos – Europejska inicjatywa obywatelska - Część 4
- A Democracia em Ação na UE - Dê a sua opinião com a Iniciativa de Cidadania Europeia - Unidade 4
- Democrația UE în acțiune - Exprimă-ți părerea cu inițiativa cetățenească europeană - Unitatea 4
- Demokracia EÚ v praxi – vyjadrite svoj názor s európskou iniciatívou občanov - 4-lekcia
- DEMOKRACIJA EU V PRAKSI - Povejte svoje mnenje z evropsko državljansko pobudo - 4-SKLOP
- EU-demokratiaa käytännössä – Vaikuta kansalaisaloitteella - Osa 4
- EU-demokrati i praktiken – Tyck till med det europeiska medborgarinitiativet - Enhet 4
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