Date: 2023-11-16Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2523 of 8 November 2023 on the request for registration, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of the European citizens’ initiative entitled EU Live Bus Stop Info (notified under document C(2023) 7436)
Executive Summary:
This Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2523, dated November 8, 2023, approves the registration of the European citizens initiative entitled "EU Live Bus Stop Info." The initiative aims to enhance public transportation information accessibility across EU Member States by integrating QR codes at bus stops for real-time data. The decision confirms that the initiative meets the registration requirements under Regulation (EU) 2019/788.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Initiative Overview:**
* The European citizens initiative "EU Live Bus Stop Info" was submitted on September 9, 2023.
* The initiative proposes integrating QR codes at bus stops to provide real-time data on schedules, routes, delays, and updates.
* The initiative aims to improve passenger experience, reduce uncertainty, promote sustainable mobility, integrate digital solutions, and ensure transparency and accessibility in public transportation.
* **Commission Assessment:**
* The Commission considers that the initiative's objectives could fall under Article 91(1)(d) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), related to the common transport policy.
* The Commission confirms that the initiative does not manifestly fall outside the scope of its powers to propose a legal act.
* The Commission acknowledges that the group of organisers has met the requirements outlined in Article 5(1) and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/788 and designated contact persons.
* The Commission states that registration does not imply confirmation of the factual correctness of the initiatives content.
* **Decision:**
* The European citizens initiative "EU Live Bus Stop Info" is registered.
* The decision is addressed to the group of organisers, represented by Hubert Willy Lehmann and Mihaela-Valentina Monceanu.
Impact Analysis:
* European Commission:
* Impact: The Commission has assessed the initiative and determined that it meets the criteria for registration. The decision does not imply confirmation of the factual correctness of the initiatives content.
* Action Required: No further action is required from the Commission based on this decision alone.
* Group of Organisers (represented by Hubert Willy Lehmann and Mihaela-Valentina Monceanu):
* Impact: The initiative "EU Live Bus Stop Info" is now officially registered, allowing the organizers to proceed with the next steps as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/788.
* Action Required: The organizers can now collect statements of support for their initiative, as per the relevant regulations.
* EU Citizens:
* Impact: If the initiative gains enough support and is ultimately successful, EU citizens could benefit from improved access to real-time bus information.
* Action Required: EU citizens will have the opportunity to support the initiative once it is open for signature collection.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: A political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe.
European Parliament: The directly elected parliamentary body of the European Union.
Council of the European Union: A part of the government of the European Union. It is composed of ministers from each EU country.
European Commission: An executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
EU Live Bus Stop Info: A European citizens initiative aiming to integrate QR codes at bus stops for real-time data access on schedules, routes, delays, and updates.
Regulation EU 2019/788: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European citizens initiative.
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: One of the primary treaties of the European Union, outlining its objectives, organization, and functioning.
Brussels: The capital of Belgium and a major administrative centre for the European Union.
Official Journal EN
of the European Union L series
2023/2523 16.11.2023
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2023/2523
of 8 November 2023
on the request for registration, pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament
and of the Council, of the European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’
(notified under document C(2023) 7436)
(Only the English text is authentic)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the
European citizens’ initiative(1), and in particular Article 6(2) and (3) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) A request for registration of a European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ was submitted to the
Commission on 9 September 2023.
(2) The objectives of the initiative are expressed by the organisers as follows: ‘[b]y integrating QR codes at every bus
stop, passengers can access real-time data about schedules, routes, delays, and updates; this initiative aims to
revolutionize public transportation information accessibility across EU Member States. This readily available
information enhances travel experiences, reduces uncertainty, and aligns with the sustainable transportation goals
of promoting public transit usage. The initiative contributes to greener cities by encouraging bus travel, reducing
congestion and emissions. Aligned with EU Treaties like the digital single market, it integrates modern technology
into public services, empowering passengers to make informed decisions. This transparency aligns with EU
consumer protection principles, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.’
(3) An annex to the initiative provides further details on the subject matter, objectives and background to the initiative.
It refers to the ‘need to enhance passenger experience and mobility within the European Union’s public
transportation network’ and to ‘improving access to real-time information at bus stops to alleviate uncertainties
faced by passengers regarding bus schedules, operational status, delays and alternatives.’ It outlines five objectives:
‘1. Enhanced Passenger Experience’; ‘2. Reduced Uncertainty’; ‘3. Promote Sustainable Mobility’; ‘4. Digital
Integration’; ‘5. Transparency and Accessibility’. The organisers consider that the initiative ‘aligns with the EU’s
commitment to sustainable mobility, efficient transportation, and technological innovation’ and that it contributes
to greener transportation and the Union’s digital agenda.
(4) An additional document attached to the initiative with an outline for a draft act has also been submitted by the
organisers as part of their registration request.
(5) The Commission considers that the objectives of the initiative could, in principle, fall under Article 91(1), point (d),
of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). According to this provision, the European
Parliament and the Council shall, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and after consulting
the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, lay down any other appropriate provisions
for the purpose of implementing Article 90 TFEU on a common transport policy.
(6) For this reason, the Commission considers that none of the parts of the initiative manifestly fall outside the
framework of the Commission’s powers to submit a proposal for a legal act of the Union for the purpose of
implementing the Treaties.
(1) OJ L 130, 17.5.2019, p. 55.
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2023/2523/oj 1/2EN
OJ L, 16.11.2023
(7) That conclusion does not affect the assessment of whether the concrete substantive conditions required for the
Commission to act, including compliance with the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity and compatibility
with fundamental rights, would be met in this case.
(8) The group of organisers has provided appropriate evidence that it fulfils the requirements laid down in Article 5(1)
and (2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/788 and has designated the contact persons in accordance with Article 5(3), first
subparagraph, of that Regulation.
(9) The initiative is not manifestly abusive, frivolous or vexatious, nor is it manifestly contrary to the values of the Union
as set out in Article 2 of the TEU or to the rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European
Union.
(10) The initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ should therefore be registered.
(11) The conclusion that the conditions for registration under Article 6(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/788 are fulfilled does
not imply that the Commission in any way confirms the factual correctness of the content of the initiative, which is
the sole responsibility of the group of organisers of the initiative. The content of the initiative only expresses the
views of the group of organisers, and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Commission,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
The European citizens’ initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’ shall be registered.
Article 2
This Decision is addressed to the group of organisers of the citizens’ initiative entitled ‘EU Live Bus Stop Info’, represented
by Mr Hubert Willy LEHMANN and Ms Mihaela-Valentina MONCEANU acting as contact persons.
Done at Brussels, 8 November 2023.
For the Commission
Věra JOUROVÁ
Vice-President
2/2 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2023/2523/oj