What triggers the intention to use the European Citizens’ Initiative? The role of benefits, values and efficacy

Kandyla, A. and Gherghina, S. (2018) What triggers the intention to use the European Citizens’ Initiative? The role of benefits, values and efficacy. Journal of Common Market Studies, 56(6), pp. 1223-1239. (doi: 10.1111/jcms.12737)

Abstract

The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is a European Union instrument that aspires to encourage citizens to participate in EU policy‐making. Although scholarly interest in the ECI is strong, only isolated studies have examined the factors that shape the intention to use it. This article fills a gap in the literature by examining how personal benefits from the EU, value‐based assessments of the EU, and political efficacy (internal and external) may trigger potential use of the ECI. It develops a model that is tested with recent Eurobarometer data. Results show that personal benefits from the EU are key determinants of the intention to use the ECI while considerations based on democratic values play a less important role. In addition, internal political efficacy emerges as a strong predictor of potential use. The results challenge the expectation that the ECI could broaden public engagement with EU affairs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gherghina, Dr Sergiu
• Authors: Kandyla, A., and Gherghina, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
• Journal Name: Journal of Common Market Studies
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0021-9886
• ISSN (Online): 1468-5965
• Published Online: 07 May 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 University Association for Contemporary European Studies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
• First Published: First published in Journal of Common Market Studies 56(6): 1223-1239
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher