Európska iniciativa občanov zo slovenskej a českej perspektívy

European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) is deemed to be one of political tools adjusting EU’s democratic deficit. Although the ECI has been largely analyzed from a theoretical point of view, the article presents an empirical snapshot of this participatory instrument viewed from the Slovak and Czech perspective. Using a series of research interviews, the author explains its strengths and weaknesses, as well as a possible path to move on in order to achieve more democratic, responsive and citizen-friendly Union.