The European Parliament (EP) has launched a written declaration calling on the European Commission to table three proposals for European statutes for foundations, associations and mutuals respectively. The text of the declaration is available here

The time is right for the European Statutes for foundations, associations and mutual societies. We are at a critical juncture to build a citizens’ Europe and the European Statutes are essential tools to:

• Secure the diversity of the organisation of economic and social activities in Europe, which is the cornerstone of the wealth and sustainability of our societies, and thus contribute to cohesive, smart and sustainable growth in Europe
• Deliver active European citizenship through a concrete translation of article 11 of the Lisbon Treaty
• Shape an efficient Single Market that responds to the needs of citizens, and create a level playing field for associations, foundations and mutual societies

Half of the Members of the European Parliament (369) must sign the declaration before February 2011 for the declaration to be adopted as an official position of the European Parliament and be conveyed to the European Commission. If adopted, the declaration will give a clear political signal from the Parliament to the Commission and help advance the dossier of the European Foundation Statute.

The EFC has joined forces with the principal organisations representing associations and mutual societies at EU level to mobilise and convince MEPs to sign the declaration. EFC members and partners are encouraged to approach their MEPs and convince them to sign the declaration.

Supporting documentation and materials are available from EFC secretariat.  For more details about the declaration and advocacy efforts, please contact E. Faure at EFC secretariat at eu@efc.be or visit www.Europeanstatuteswrittendeclaration.eu