The European Foundation Centre new Advocacy Committee (AC) and adopted its 2012 work programme at its first meeting on 17 November, with a focus on the European Foundation Statute(EFS). The European Commission is expected to release its legislative proposal on a EFS on 8 February 2012 for the review and approval of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. This will mark the end of the preparatory work and the start of the legislative process.
Securing the support of the Members of the European Parliament and mobilising the EFS advocacy network vav Member States and EU presidencies will be at the core of the AC’s work over the next months. A series of events will also be organised throughout 2012 to inform concerned stakeholders about t the EFS proposal and enhance the involvement of foundations in advocating for a EFS. These include a legal briefing in Brussels in March and presentations and discussions at the EFC Annual General Assembly and Conference in Belfast on 6- 9 June 2012.
The composition of the AC was renewed in 2011 and current membership reflects in particular the reinforced cooperation with The Donors and Foundations' Networks in Europe (DAFNE)
Background
The EFC Advocacy Committee is was initially set up as a task force in September 2007 to support the representation and advocacy work of the EFC. The Committee focuses on areas of action which aim to help: Implement EFC proposals and decisions in relation to EU initiatives Advance the dossiers of interest at EU level identified by the EFC Governing Council and Committees (e.g. the tax treatment of public benefit foundations and cross-border donations, the prevention of terrorist financing, better understanding of public benefit foundations in EU circles);Identify areas of relevance and opportunities for foundations at EU level with a view to promoting the sector and advancing its role in European strategies and proposals.The Committee usually meets twice a year in Brussels.
For more information, please contact the EFC at eu@efc.be