# The proper functioning of the European citizens' initiative (ECI) procedure and the Commission's role and responsibility in this regard. - Author: European Ombudsman - Date: 2013-12-18T00:00+01:00[Europe/Paris] - [URL](https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/opening-summary/en/52902) --- The proper functioning of the European citizens' initiative (ECI) procedure and the Commission's role and responsibility in this regard.