a European initiative vs an European initiative

The correct phrase is 'a European initiative.' The use of 'a' is correct before words that begin with a consonant sound, even if the following word starts with a vowel. In this case, 'European' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a' is the appropriate article to use.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 863 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"a European initiative"

Use 'a' before words that begin with a consonant sound, even if the following word starts with a vowel. In this case, 'European' starts with a consonant sound, so 'a European initiative' is correct.

Examples:

She proposed a European initiative to promote cultural exchange.
A European initiative was launched to address climate change.
The company announced a European initiative to support local communities.
He is involved in a European initiative focused on education.
The government is considering a European initiative to improve healthcare.

Show examples from the web [+]

The memorandum on LLL is a European initiative which deserves ample support.
You also raised the question of subsidiarity, and wondered whether a European initiative was needed.
This was a European initiative and they have already started preliminary investigations into alleged war crimes.
In order to avoid differences between Member States, a European initiative is necessary.
Report on a European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias [2010/2084(INI)] - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety.
This initial result is the outcome of a European initiative in close cooperation with the United Nations.
I hope that this Parliament will not accept a situation which jeopardises a European initiative of which we have been justifiably proud.
It urges the Commission to draw up an action plan, designed to accompany the implementation of a European initiative on minimum income in the Member States.
Thirdly, as I had the opportunity to mention at my hearing, I am in favour of launching a European initiative on cards.
On 22 July 2009 the Commission adopted a Communication on a European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
The reasons for a European initiative are essentially the following:
2.2 The reasons for a European initiative are essentially the following:
on a European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
on a European initiative for the development of micro-credit in support of growth and employment
We must, therefore, block these plans, saying 'No' to proliferation but 'Yes' to a European initiative designed to achieve universal disarmament.
Take, for example, the European patent: that would be a step ahead as part of a European initiative.
I am convinced that there is a foundation for reaching agreement on a European initiative relating to procedural rights; in political terms this would be an extremely important signal.
Does the Presidency really mean to promote a European initiative in the economic and social field?
This is why I urgently call for a European initiative to support the further development of the industry within the context of a policy, instead of waiting passively for yet another reorganisation.
I voted in favour of the motion for a European Parliament resolution on a European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

This phrase is incorrect. 'An' is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, not a consonant sound like 'European.'

"an European initiative"

Incorrect usage. 'An' should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound, not a consonant sound like 'European.'

Show examples from the web [+]

I think it is appropriate to consider this as an European initiative and I take issue with the point about subsidiarity.
having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on an European initiative on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (COM(2009)380 final),
An European Union initiative is urgently required in this respect.
Establishment of the Pact of Islands as an official European initiative (written declaration)
9 Establishment of the Pact of Islands as an official European initiative
Giommaria Uggias on the establishment of the Pact of Islands as an official European initiative
Annex 2 - Establishment of the Pact of Islands as an official European initiative
Giommaria Uggias, on implementing the island pact as an official European initiative (0037/2011);
It is an important European initiative and I hope the College will go for it, notwithstanding some of the sequencing difficulties to do with other negotiations which may arise.
As you know, there is an initiative at European and American level in this field.
An initiative at European level is urgently needed, therefore, particularly as these phenomena are largely based in the new Member States.
Therefore, I believe we need to take an initiative at European level, too, ladies and gentlemen.
Madam President, 2001 is the year of public debate. I am truly amazed that the presidency has not announced an initiative at European level involving civil society.
Declaration of the European Parliament of 19 January 2012 on the establishment of the Pact of Islands as an official European initiative
The consultation and expertise provided, confirmed the need for an initiative at European level, and indicated that the proposed approach was in line with current trends and would be welcomed.
An ambitious European Citizenship Initiative accessible to all age groups can help to bridge the gap of trust between the ordinary citizen and the European Union.
We are not discussing legislation here, but an own-initiative European Parliament report, which seeks to prompt the Commission to consider the need for legislation.
An intergovernmental European Heritage Label initiative ('intergovernmental initiative') was launched on 28 April 2006 in Granada, Spain.
What I will say is: very well done because, at a time when the euro is very sick, she has borne the burden of giving the European Parliament an own-initiative report which suggests a cure.
Last year approximately EUR 4.9 million were allocated under the European initiative to projects aimed at raising European public awareness in retentionist countries.

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a European initiative vs an European initiative