The EFC holds events on a range of topics from European Court of Justice decisions to the European Foundation Statute.

Seminar reports 

December 2009, "Cross-border philanthropy in Europe"

This seminar provided an opportunity for particpants to share their experiences of the existing hurdles to cross-border giving and to explore solutions for improving the fiscal environment, as well as discusing the potential impact of the European Foundation Statute.  The event was organised by ERA in cooperation with the EFC and the King Baudouin Foundation, Transnational Giving Europe and the Fondation Fournier Majole pour l'Innovation, and under the patronage of Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the European Commission.

Documentation from the event can be found here.

March 2009: "EFC Principles of Good Practice"

A report on this roundtable appeared in the spring 2009 issue of Effect magazine:

Report on EFC Principles of Good Practice Roundtable, March 2009 (264kb)

March 2009: “Legal Briefing on the Persche case at the European Court of Justice”

Report of the March 2009 briefing on the Persche case (53kb)

EFC communique on Persche case, 27 January 2009 (40kb)

Article on cross-border philanthropy in Europe in spring 2009 issue of Effect magazine (77kb)
 

February 2007: "How does European law influence national foundation law?"

A series of European Court cases, European legislative and policy initiatives, as well as tax infringement procedures by the European Commission have created a momentum of challenges and opportunities for the foundation sector. The seminar initiated some fruitful discussions on how European law influences national foundation law, and how this fits into the broader context of promoting organised philanthropy and its operating environment in Europe and internationally. This seminar was organised in cooperation with King Baudouin Foundation and with financial support from Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena.

 Executive Summary (pdf 16kb)
 Full report (pdf 84kb)

September 2006: “Towards a European Framework for Foundations in Europe”

Some 40 participants from across Europe discussed with representatives from the European Commission and legal experts the benefits of a European Foundation Statute, and what form it should take.

 Executive summary (pdf 35kb)
 Full report (pdf 250 kb)

December 2005:  "Economic Activity and Major Shareholding – What is at Stake for Foundations?”

Are foundations allowed to engage in economic activity either directly or through another legal entity? How is this economic activity taxed? Is major shareholding allowed? Is there a risk for foundations to be in conflict with EU competition rules? These key questions were discussed at the EFC 2005 Tax Seminar.

 Executive Summary  (pdf 79kb)
 Full report (pdf 255kb)

March 2004: "How to improve cross-border giving in Europe: barriers and solutions - Foundations perspectives"

This EFC tax seminar reviewed the situation of cross-border giving. How can we promote cross-border giving in Europe at a time when citizens' mobility and business and foundation work are increasing across the EU? More than 40 foundation representatives and legal and fiscal experts reviewed the barriers and practical solutions for advancing cross-border giving.

 Executive summary (pdf 15kb)
 Full report (pdf 134kb)