[EuroPython] Budget Team: Association (EEIG / EWIV) Links

[Andrew Smart]

Hi,

I was browsing the web a bit after EEIG (english name) (EWIV german name):

I found:

In a way similar to us, http://www.eurofilmfest.org is a EEIG organisation
for coordination of film festivals. Similar because they coordinate/organize
something which is a alike a conference.

I found a clear description about "non profit" and EEIG under
http://www.investinspain.org/jointventures.htm

It says: a EEIG is a non-profit organisation of profit-making members.

But, the definition of what "profit-makíng" means is defined by the EU like:

>The concept of “profit-making” is interpreted more broadly in the Treaty
than in some national laws.
>The concept is described in the Convention on the Mutual Recognition of
Companies and Legal Persons
>signed in Brussels on 29 February 1968 as an “economic activity normally
carried on in return for
>payment”.

>(cut & paste out of the 105 pages document)

Alternativly, read: http://www.formaco.gi/eeig.htm

(cut & paste)

>Who May Be A Member Of An EEIG?
>The rules of membership of the EEIG are set out in Article 4 of the EU
Regulation establishing EEIGs. The >Regulations aim to make membership of an
EEIG open to as many people and organisations as possible within >the
Community, whether or not they are a company. The main requirement is that
each potential member >should have been engaged in an "economic activity" in
the EU prior to becoming a member of the EEIG.


Also... http://www.companies-house.gov.uk/ (seek after EEIG) you'll find the
text:

1. What is an EEIG?

The EEIG is a form of association between companies or other legal bodies,
firms or individuals from different EU countries who need to operate
together across national frontiers. It carries out particular tasks for its
member-owners and is quite separate from its owners' businesses. Its aim is
to facilitate or develop the economic activities of its members.

An EEIG may be set up in any one of the Member States, and operate in any
part of the EU. It can also enter into arrangements with organisations
outside the EU, although these organisations cannot themselves become
members of an EEIG.

2. What can an EEIG do?

An EEIG's activities must relate to the economic activity of its members but
must be ancillary to them. The concept of 'economic activity' can be
interpreted very widely. For example, universities and research institutes
may participate in an EEIG. The creation of an EEIG between people in the
professions (for example, solicitors) is also permitted. However,
professional people will need to consider whether or not participation in an
EEIG would be contrary to the rules of their profession. The Grouping may
not itself practice a profession - as this would replace the activities of
the members - but it may provide services for its members which relate to
their profession (for example, consultation on legal matters).

Apart from this, and the restrictions set out under question 3, the EEIG can
do whatever its members wish. For example, companies in the UK, Spain and
France might form an EEIG to carry out scientific research in an area of
common concern; or firms in Portugal and Scotland might use an EEIG to
create a joint marketing operation for a new range of products; or lawyers
in England, Denmark and Germany could join together to pool information.

Andrew