What is the European Foundation Statute (EFS)?
The European Foundation Statute is an optional and simple tool that will help foundations to better channel their resources into improving the lives of European citizens in a wide range of areas.
Where do we stand?
The European Commission presented a
proposal on a European Foundation Statute on 8 February 2012. This proposal has now been shared with the Council of Ministers representing the governments of the 27 Member States for review and approval and to the European Parliament for its consent.
The European Parliament already pledged support to European Statutes for foundations, associations and mutual societies with the signatures by a majority of its Members of a
Written Declaration in February 2011.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), the EU’s official advisory body on social and economic matters, has given a clear and strong backing to the Statute by approving with a large majority of the votes the
opinion drafted by EESC member Mall Hellam on 28 April 2010. The opinion urged the European Commission to present a proposal for a Regulation on a European Foundation Statute to support public-benefit activities for its adoption by the Council and the European Parliament in due course.
Why is a European Foundation Statute needed?
Foundations and their funders are increasingly working across borders. However, a number of legal and administrative barriers are hampering foundations’ current work. The lack of appropriate legal tools means that new European initiatives by foundations are delayed or abandoned.
A European Foundation Statute will offer them an appropriate legal tool to perform and increase their work and operations across Europe.
How can you contribute to the process?
There are different ways in which you can contribute to the EFC's efforts to increase awareness and support for the creation of a European statute for foundations at European and national level.
What you can do:
• Share with us your experience and views on cross-border work and the EFS!
• Contact your national and European representatives!