7.7.2012   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 199/187

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having regard to its resolution of 19 February 2009 on social economy (1),

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having regard to its resolution of 20 May 2010 on delivering a single market to consumers and citizens (2),

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having regard to Rule 123 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.

whereas society’s wealth and stability derive from its diversity of entrepreneurship, and whereas associations, mutual societies and foundations contribute to that diversity by providing a distinctive business model based on core values, namely solidarity, democratic supervision and preferring social objectives over gain,

B.

whereas, while associations, mutual societies and foundations have so far developed in a primarily national context, they need to improve cross-border access in order to maximise their entrepreneurial potential in the EU,

1.

Notes that there is a need to create a ‘level playing field’ that provides associations, mutual societies and foundations with instruments and opportunities equivalent to those available to other organisational legal structures, thereby giving a European dimension to their organisation and activities;

2.

Calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to introduce proposals for European statutes for associations, mutual societies and foundations, to propose a feasibility study and an impact assessment for the statutes for associations and mutual societies, and to complete the impact assessment for the statute for foundations in due course;

3.

Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories (3), to the Commission, the Council and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.