Listed below are a few EU policy papers that address the foundation sector.

Foundations

European Commission Communication “Promoting the Role of Voluntary Organisations and Foundations in Europe", 1997. The European Economic and Social Committee issued an opinion on this Communication in 1998.

European Parliament resolution “Foundations in Europe”, 9 March 1994.

Legal frameworks

Feasibility study on a European Foundation Statute, 2009.  Prepared by experts from the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law and the Centre for Social Investment at the University of Heidelberg for European Commsison Directorate-General for Internal Market

Science & Research

Foundations European Commission Directorate-General for Research Expert group report “Engaging philanthropy for university research: Fundraising by universities from philanthropic sources; developing partnerships between universities and private donors”, January 2007.

Expert group report “Giving more for research: The role of foundations and the non-profit sector in boosting R&D investment” Expert group report, September 2005. 

Third sector general

European Commission Communication “Towards a Reinforced Culture of Consultation and Dialogue – General Principles and Minimum Standards for Consultation of Interested Parties by the Commission”, 11 December 2002.

European Commission Discussion Paper “The Commission and Non-Governmental Organisations: Building a Stronger Partnership”, 18 January 2000.

The European Parliament resolution “Non-Profit Making Associations in the European Community”, 13 March 1987. 

Transparency

European Commission Communication “The Prevention of and Fight against Terrorist Financing through enhanced national level coordination and greater transparency of the non-profit sector” addresses the vulnerability of non-profit organisations in respect of terrorist financing", 25 November 2005.