On 16 February, Parliament approved - with 530 votes in favour, 146 against and 15 abstentions - the report by Sergey Lagodinsky (Greens/EFA, Germany) calling for a European framework for non-profit organisations.
In the recommendation, MEPs call on the Commission to draw up both a proposal for a regulation establishing a statute for a European association, and a proposal for a directive laying down minimum standards for non-profit organisations.
“Parliament expects a paradigm shift in the EU’s policies towards non-profit associations and foundations. [...] The Commission must take our report as a model for future legislation”, said the rapporteur.
All of this will, according to the Parliament, create a level playing field for civil society organisations throughout the European Union, which currently face many difficulties, especially when it comes to transnational activities.
During the plenary debate on 15 February, several political groups asked the Commission not to procrastinate. On the other hand, the far right has taken a stand against the report.
The Vice-President of the European Commission, Margarítis Schinás, welcomed the report. However, he mentioned that a previous attempt to create EU legislation on this subject had failed due to an impasse in inter-institutional negotiations.
“This should be done in close cooperation between EU institutions, Member States and actors of the social economy. No miracle solution is to be imposed on others. This needs constant constructive dialogue”, he concluded.
See the European Parliament’s recommendations: https://aeur.eu/f/di (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)