Why do we want a Statute?

The need for a European legal instrument designed for foundations is increasing in an enlarged Europe. The number of foundations and funders that want to develop transnational cooperation or are engaging in cross-border activity has grown over the last decade. An increasing number of individuals and other private funders have activities and assets in several EU Member States.  A European Foundation Statute will offer them an appropriate legal tool to perform and increase their work and operations across Europe.

Key documents

In this section you will find background materials about the European Foundation Statute and proposals on the scope and content of a European Foundation Statute.

It's time for a European Foundation Statute

Why is European Foundation Statute_needed?   Illustrative examples

EFC-DAFNE statement on European Economic and Social Committee's  2010 opinion on the EFS

EFC-DAFNE statement on the outcomes of European Commission 2009 consultation on the EFS

EFC contribution to the European Commission 2009 public consultation on the EFS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the European Foundation Statute

EFC Rationale for a Statute

EFC Proposal for a European Foundation Statute (EFS) 

The Statute that the European Foundation Centre (EFC) proposes is meant to create a new European legal instrument that is an optional tool, complementary to existing national legislations, which would mainly be governed by European law and would only apply to foundations pursuing a public benefit purpose.

The European Foundation - A New Legal Approach (Bertelsmann Foundation Project)

History of the European Foundation Statute: a snapshot