EFC advocates on behalf of its members on a number of issues related to EU affairs ranging from general cross-cutting issues affecting the whole foundation sector to specific areas of interest for EFC members and networks:
European Foundation Statute (EFS)
The EFC advocates for the adoption of a new, optional, public-benefit legal tool that contributes to addressing the barriers that foundations and funders face in their cross-border work. This legal instrument would be governed by European law and complement national laws. It would also have benefits for foundations active only at regional/national level as well as for EU citizens and policy.
Taxation and foundations In the diverse legal and fiscal environments for foundations across the EU, there is no common approach to tax treatment of public benefit foundations. This leads to the creation of a significant number of barriers, particularly regarding cross-border work. The EFC monitors national and EU level legal developments and advocates towards an enabling legal and fiscal environment for foundations.
Transparency and accountability The EFC promotes the principles of transparency and accountability among its members and the foundation sector as a whole. It also monitors closely initiatives in these areas at EU level to ensure that they respect and promote the specificities of public benefit foundations.
Philanthropic funding for research in the EU The European Forum on Philanthropy and Research Funding aims to help underpin philanthropic funding for research through exchanging experiences and best practice, developing cooperation on research funding, and promoting a favourable environment for foundation and private philanthropic activities. It is supported by the European Commission and individual funders.
Diversity and disability The recently launched European Consortium of Foundations on Human Rights and Disability brings together funders to monitor and foster the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a groundbreaking international treaty which entered into force on May 3rd 2008.