Citizens now can –indeed, they have a duty to- state their views, while European governments, following the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty- are now readier than ever to listen…. The method of collecting electronic signatures (ePetition) is now one of the most important tools for citizen participation, since it supports open and extensive dialogue and bolsters social responsibility.
The European program for the collection of electronic signatures eMPOWER relies on the latest technology for electronic application which ensures that the procedure is transparent, dialogic and democratic, and that its results are the distillation of common proposals, initiatives and views of NGO’s and citizens on environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, the nuclear power industry and the management of dangerous waste, sea pollution, the management of water resources and many others. At the same time, it strengthens the role of national news agencies as promoters and supporters of relevant initiatives, securing thus the broader spread of the results of the program.