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European Citizens’ Initiative – Water is a Human Right

1.2 million signatures, but we’re not there yet!

12.03.2013 |

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On 11 February, ‘Water is a Human Right!’ made history as being the first European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) to have collected over 1 million signatures in the European Union. This is a great achievement, thanks to all of your efforts! In fact, there are now over 1.2 Million signatures, but a complete success can only be claimed if a minimum number of signatures in at least seven EU countries is reached. The latest figures and the minimum per country can be seen on the website.

Most signatures are from Germany and Austria. In Belgium, Slovenia and Slovakia the required minimum signatures is also achieved. In other countries the figures remain low. So YOU are asked again to promote this ECI among your friends, colleagues, at other places where people meet, and through social media.

The proposed legislation by Commissioner Barnier that local or regional governments should open their water services to competition is under discussion again. This ECI has sparked the debate and raised awareness that water services are not like any other services that can be sold and bought on the market The Commissioner now has recognised that water is a public good. For this reason it must remain under public and democratic control. The ECI campaign aims to prevent profit-driven Multinational Corporations from taking over public water services across Europe. Evidence shows that this leads to increasing prices and lower quality of services. Citizens will be the ones paying for this and the poor will be the worst affected.

Although the minimum to get the proposals on the European political agenda might be reached, even more signatures need to be collected to increase the pressure to turn the proposals into European legislation. Therefore, it is more than necessary that the message below is spread throughout all of Europe. While spreading this message, do not forget to sign the ECI yourself!

Water and sanitation are a human right! Water is a public good, not a commodity! Many millions of people continue to be deprived of clean, safe and affordable water and sanitation, even in Europe. The European Commission can do something about it, but WE have to put it on their agenda! Please continue to promote our ECI!
Signature forms are available for each country  and they have our logo and a return address on it. You can sign either on paper or online.

Right2water is on Facebook and Twitter. Like us and follow us!

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Twitter: @right2water

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