Invitation to the Seminar“Getting European Citizens’ Initiatives started”17 March 201109:00 -18:00Representation of Saxony-Anhalt to the EUBoulevard Saint Michel, 801040 Brussels  We have great pleasure in inviting you to the seminar “Getting Citizens’ Initiatives started” which will take place on Thursday 17 March 2011 at the Representation of Saxony-Anhalt to the EU, boulevard Saint Michel 80, from 9.00 to 18.00. It will feature prominent speakers from the Institutions, academia and the third sector. The seminar will provide the first opportunity to examine in detail the regulation of the Citizens’ Initiative, the first-ever tool for participatory democracy in the European Union. After a plenary session and debate on the new regulation, participants will divide into 4 groups which will run in parallel sessions and then report back to a final plenary session.Based on article 11 (4) of the Lisbon Treaty, the right of initiative has been formally defined and adopted in December 2010, only one year after the entry into force of the Treaty.The approved regulation states that a further 12 months are necessary to set up the procedures for verifying signatures before the regulation comes into force. Therefore, 2011 is likely to be a year of preparation. The aim of the event will be not just to review the regulation but also to assist users and potential users to prepare for initiatives which should be open for signatures in early 2012. ECAS will provide a background discussion document. Please note that due to room capacity, registration is compulsory to attend the workshops.  Workshop priority will be granted on a first come, first served basis.Looking forward to seeing you at the seminar,the ECAS team