Environment still a top concern for EU citizens

The environment, the internal market, fundamental rights, personal matters and justice topped the list of concerns raised by petitioners.

MEPs call for improved cooperation between EU institutions, national and local authorities to address and resolve citizens’ concerns.

Parliament urges the European Commission to ensure effective and timely follow-up to successful European Citizens’ Initiatives.

The environment remained the issue most frequently raised by petitioners, followed by the internal market and fundamental rights.

On Tuesday, MEPs on the Petitions (PETI) Committee adopted their 2023 annual report by 16 votes in favour, 13 against, and with 4 abstentions. The main issues raised by citizens in 2023 related to the environment (21.5% of all petitions received), the internal market (13.4%), fundamental rights (13.4%), and personal matters (12.4%).

Environment

Environmental issues topped the list of concerns raised by petitioners in 2023, as was the case the previous year. The wide range of issues addressed by PETI committee MEPs included protection of wildlife and forests, chemical pollution in the air and groundwater, and the social consequences of climate change for vulnerable groups.

Following a May 2023 fact-finding mission to Romania to assess, among others, the management and protection of brown bears, MEPs stress that member states should be able to take appropriate measures, including population control, to prevent threats to public safety and property. That same month, the Committee hosted a public hearing to evaluate the enforcement of the Habitats Directive and discussed ways to improve its implementation across member states.

Responding to several petitions calling for stronger protection of domestic and stray animals, in 2023 the PETI Committee proposed the appointment of a commissioner with specific responsibility for animal welfare.

Internal market

Petitions concerning the internal market saw the biggest increase compared with 2022, largely on account of several submissions on beach concessions in Italy and alleged breaches of the 2006 directive on the liberalisation of services.

MEPs also tackled growing concerns over the future of the Schengen area and the reintroduction of border checks between some member states. To further investigate the issue, in July 2023 the Committee organised a public hearing to examine the impact of these checks on free movement, the prospects for expanding the Schengen zone, and the costs of a fragmented area. In June 2023, the Committee presented a short motion calling on the Council to approve the accession Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen area, which was ultimately implemented in January 2025.

Fundamental rights, including rights of minorities and persons with disabilities

Respect for fundamental rights remained a priority in the Committee’s work. Petitions covered a range of issues, including the rights of LGBTI+ citizens, access to adequate housing, and efforts to combat homelessness in the EU.

The Committee also continued its longstanding work on the rights of persons with disabilities, overseeing EU implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In June, a delegation took part in the 16th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention (CRPD COSP) in New York. In September, MEPs adopted a short motion for a resolution aimed at harmonising the rights of autistic persons. In November, the Committee held its annual workshop on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, focusing on communication practices and the effects of recent crises on people with disabilities.

In the report adopted on Tuesday, MEPs call on member states to avoid further delays in transposing the European Disability Act, stressing that its misapplication continues to hinder the rights of persons with disabilities.

Background

The right to petition the European Parliament is a fundamental right of all EU citizens, enshrined in the Treaties. In 2023, Parliament received 1,452 petitions, an increase of 16.2% compared with 2022. Of these, 82.4% were submitted through Parliament’s Petitions Web Portal. In 2023, the portal underwent further improvements to enhance user-friendliness, security, and accessibility.