Speaking at the European Parliament’s social economy hearing on 13 January EFC CEO, Gerry Salole, explained how foundations would benefit from a European Statute and called for the backing of the Parliament for the proposal which is currently under consideration at the level of the European Commission . “Support from the Members of the Parliament will be critical in the process", he said.

The hearing chaired by MEP Marc Tarabella (S&D) aimed to discuss with representatives of the European Commission‘s Pierre Delsaux – Director, DG MARKT, and Apostolos Ioakimidis,- Principal Administrator, DG Enterprise and Industry, forthcoming work on European Statutes which have been called for by associations, foundations and mutual societies.

Reporting on the progress regarding the European Foundation Statute (EFS), Pierre Delsaux commented that following the feasibility study and the public consultation last year, DG MARKT is currently developing a proposal and examining the content of the EFS, including its scope, definition and supervision issues. He recalled the commitment of Commissioner Barnier to have a useful and effective instrument which can be supported by all the Member States. He also reaffirmed the EC’s engagement to facilitate the development of the sector, stressing the importance of social economy organisations, their contribution to job creation and competitiveness and their potential for growth in the years to come.

MEP Marie-Christine Vergiat (GUE/NGL) presented the initiative launched by 5 MEPs to support European Statutes for associations ,foundations and mutuals with the launch of the written declaration n°84 in November.  The declaration calls the European Commission to move forward with the European Statutes.  It must be signed by half of the MEOS to be enacted.

Closing the debate, MEP Mario Mauro (EPP), called upon his fellow-MEPs to sign the WD 84 before 17 February and made two follow-up proposals

• Organising a meeting of the Social Economy intergroup with Commissioner Barnier
• Inviting representatives of the Member States in Brussels (CoReper) to the next meeting of the intergroup to alert them to the issue and seek their support.

The intergroup will also adopt a series of recommendations to push for the statutes within the EP as MEPs will be adopting two reports on the Single Market for Europeans and the Single Market for Enterprises and Growth respectively by March 2011. The document will soon be available on the website of Social Economy Europe

EFC’s presentation on the EFS is available here
The agenda of the hearing is available here

For further information, please contact eu@efc.be