Title I – Name, registered office and duration

Title II – Disinterested goal pursued and activities constituting the object

Title III – Membership

Titre IV – General Assembly

Titre V – Administrative Board

Title VI – Executive Committee

Title VII – Internal Rules of Procedure

Title VIII – Accounts and budgets

Title IX – Dissolution and liquidation

Title X – Final Provision

Title I – Name, registered office and duration

Article 1 – Name and mentions

The international non-profit association adopts the following name “Federation of Young European Greens”, in short “FYEG” (hereinafter referred to as “the association”).

This name must be mentioned on all deeds, invoices, announcements, disclosures, letters, orders, websites and other documents, whether or not in electronic form, originating from the association, immediately preceded or followed by the words “Association internationale sans but lucratif” or by the abbreviation “aisbl” together with the address of the registered office of the association and the other statements in accordance with the Belgian Companies and Associations Code of 23 March 2019 (hereinafter referred to as 'CAC').

Article 2 – Registered office

The registered office of the association is established on the territory of the Brussels-Capital Region. The administrative board has the power to move the registered office of the association within the same language region in Belgium.

If, as a result of the move of the registered office, the language of the present statutes has to be changed, only the General Assembly shall have the power to take the decision to move the registered office of the association, taking into account the requirements for a modification of the statutes.

The competent courts are the courts of Brussels.

Article 3 – Duration of the association

The association is constituted for an indefinite period. It can be dissolved at any time.

Title II – Disinterested goal pursued and activities constituting the object

Article 4 – Disinterested purpose and object

The association aims to:

1. Build a just, feminist, diverse, inclusive, democratic and sustainable Europe;

2. Advocate for and support youth participation in democratic processes and civil society at all levels;

3. Empower and support young people to bring forward their perspectives and solutions;

4. Provide a forum where young people with green sympathies from all over Europe can engage in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchanges.

The object, or concrete activities, through which the association can achieve its purpose are:

1. Statutory and operational activities necessary to the functioning of the organisation,

2. Network activities dedicated to growing and strengthening the federation;

3. Capacity building, training and support for its members, their members and other young people in Europe;

4. Educational activities such as workshops, seminars, study session, summer camps, intercultural exchanges, etc. targeting its members, their members and other progressive youth;

5. Political exchanges amongst its members, with its partners and other stakeholders;

6. Communications and campaigns to raise awareness, propose solutions, influence behaviours, legislation and European policies that affect young people, etc.;

7. To achieve its purpose, the association may receive any material or financial assistance or contribution from legal, public or private persons, or from natural persons. The funds and materials thus collected must be used exclusively for the achievement of the disinterested goal. The association can lend its support and take an interest in all activities similar to its purpose.

8. The association may also carry out profit-making activities. The profit made shall at all times be used entirely for the above-mentioned non-profit and disinterested goal. The association may not, directly or indirectly, distribute or provide any financial benefit to members, founders, administrators or any other person, except for the above-mentioned disinterested goal. Economic activities are incidental.

Title III – Membership

Article 5 – Categories of members and general conditions of admission

The association is made up of member organisations only and has three categories of member:

• Full members

• Candidate members

• Associate members

The association has at least five full members.

General criteria for membership, are as follows:

• be active on a regional or national level,

• consist mainly of young people,

• subscribe to the statutes and political platform of FYEG,

• function based on democratic principles.

The association has at least five full members at all times. Members enjoy the rights granted to the category of members to which they belong by the law and these statutes. The same applies to the duties of members.

All full members should be legal entities committed to respecting these statutes and established with legal personality in the country where they are founded according to local laws and customs.

Article 6 – Register of members

The administrative board maintains a register of members at the registered office of the association. This register includes the denomination, legal form and address of the registered office of the members. The administrative board records all decisions of admission, resignation, suspension or exclusion of members in this register within 8 days of becoming aware of the decision. The administrative board may decide that the register will be kept in electronic form.

Any member may consult the register of members at the registered office of the association. To this end, they send a written request to the administrative board.

Each member communicates an email address to the association for the purpose of communicating with it. Any communication to this email address is deemed to have taken place validly. The association may use this address until the member concerned provides another email address.

Article 7 - Liability

Members are not held responsible for commitments made in the name of the association, insofar as all the provisions mentioned in these statutes and also in other agreements between the association and that member were thereby complied with.

Article 8 – Conditions of admission of full members

Full members can participate in the General Assembly, they have speaking rights and voting rights.

To become a full member the organisation has to fulfil the following criteria:

• comply with the general criteria for membership,

• have been a candidate member for at least one year,

• send an official application to the secretariat of the association. This can be done by ordinary mail or by e-mail sent to the (electronic) address of the association. This application shall include its statutes, the number of individual members, age limits for its members, list of activities, budget, a signed letter of intent to become a full member including a declaration by which it undertakes to respect the disinterested purpose and the statutes of the association, and all other possibly relevant information.

Before applying for full membership, Candidate members should be visited by at least one member of the Executive Committee or the Secretary-General. After the visit and upon reception of the official application, the Executive Committee will review the application for full membership and advise the General Assembly about the application.

The General Assembly then votes on the membership at the next General Assembly. A candidate member is accepted and thus authorised to join the association as a full member if an absolute two-thirds majority of the votes cast is obtained. This decision of the General Assembly does not have to be motivated.

As soon as the decision concerning the candidate member is known, the secretariat of the association shall inform it of this decision by e-mail. No appeal is possible against this decision.

Article 9 – Conditions of admission of candidate members

Candidate members can participate in the General Assembly, they have speaking rights but do not have voting rights.

Candidate members are organisations who have the ambition, within a certain time frame, to apply for full membership. To become a Candidate member an organisation should fulfil the following criteria:

• comply with the general criteria for membership

• send an official application to the secretariat of the association. This can be done by ordinary mail or by e-mail sent to the (electronic) address of the association. This application shall include its statutes, the number of individual members, age limits for its members, list of activities, budget, the intention to become a candidate member and all other possibly relevant information.

The Executive Committee will examine the application and will present the application at the next General Assembly, together with a recommendation on the admission of the organisation as Candidate member. The General Assembly then votes on granting the candidate membership.

The decision to grant a candidate membership must be taken by an absolute majority of the votes cast. This decision of the General Assembly does not have to be motivated.

As soon as the decision concerning the candidate member is known, the secretariat of the association shall inform it of this decision by e-mail. No appeal is possible against this decision.

Article 10 – Conditions of admission of associate members

Associate members can participate in the General Assembly, they have speaking rights but do not have voting rights.

Associate members are organisations that do not want to become a full member or do not fulfil all general criteria for membership, as stipulated in article 5 of the present statutes. To become Associate member an organisation should send an official application to the secretariat of the association. This can be done by ordinary mail or by e-mail sent to the (electronic) address of the association. This application shall include its statutes, number of members, age limits, list of activities, budget, the intention to become an associate member and all relevant information.

The decision to grant an associate membership must be taken by the General Assembly by an absolute majority of the votes cast. This decision of the General Assembly does not have to be motivated.

As soon as the decision concerning the associate member is known, the secretariat of the of the association shall inform it of this decision by e-mail. No appeal is possible against this decision.

Article 11 - Resignation of members

Any member of the association is free to withdraw from it at any time by sending their resignation by email to the administrative board, including the motivation for their resignation.

The administrative board informs the next General Assembly of the resignation and its motivation. Resigning members cannot in any way claim the assets of the association or the reimbursement of the contributions or membership fee paid.

If as a consequence of one of the above events, the number of full members of the association would fall below the number stipulated in article 5 of the present statues, the board will immediately call an extraordinary General Assembly, with as sole agenda item to nominate additional full members to re-establish the number of full members mentioned in article 5 of the present statutes. In this case the board has the power to suspend the termination of the full membership until a replacement is found within a reasonable period of time.

Article 12 - Suspension of members

The administrative board may propose the temporary suspension of a member to the General Assembly. The suspension of a member is pronounced by the General Assembly by a simple two-thirds majority. In its decision to temporarily suspend a member, the General Assembly also determines the duration of the suspension. A suspended member loses its voting rights.

Suspended members may request the cancellation of their suspension at the next General Assembly by sending a signed motivation letter sent by email to the administrative board at the latest one month before the General Assembly.

Suspended members cannot in any way claim the assets of the association or the reimbursement of the contributions or membership fee paid.

Article 13 - Exclusion of members

The administrative board may propose the exclusion of a member to the General Assembly. The exclusion of a member is pronounced by the General Assembly by a two-thirds majority and is only valid if the following conditions have been met:

• the proposal for exclusion is explicitly indicated in the convocation of the General Assembly,

• the member in question was heard if they so wished,

• the assembly brings together at least two-thirds of the full members, whether they are present or represented.

If this last condition is not met, a second convocation of the General Assembly will be necessary, and the new assembly deliberates and rules validly, regardless of the number of full members present. The second meeting cannot be held within fifteen days after the first meeting. The exclusion is pronounced only if it gathers a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.

Excluded members cannot in any way claim the assets of the association or the reimbursement of the contributions paid.

Article 14 - Membership fee

The amount of the annual membership fee for full members is set by the administrative board, in line with the rules adopted by the General Assembly in the Internal Rules of Procedures (hereinafter referred to as 'IRP') and without being able to exceed 10,000.00 EUR.

Full members that fail to pay their membership fee will not have voting rights at the General assembly, unless the General Assembly explicitly votes to still grant the organisation’s voting rights, this does not constitute a suspension.

Titre IV – General Assembly

Article 15 - Composition

The General Assembly is made up of all the members of the association. It is chaired by the Presidency designated for this purpose by the assembly, in line with the rules adopted by the General Assembly in the IRP.

Article 16 - Powers

The general assembly has the powers expressly granted to it by law or the statutes of this association.

A decision of the general assembly is required in the following cases:

• the modification of the statutes,

• the approval of the annual financial report and the budget,

• the appointment and dismissal of administrators,

• the appointment and dismissal of the Secretary-General,

• the appointment and dismissal of the executive committee,

• the decision on the compensation of the administrators for their mandate in the cases where a compensation is allocated to them,

• Admission, suspension and exclusion of members,

• the discharge to be granted to the administrators as well as, if necessary, the introduction of an action by the association against the administrators,

• the voluntary dissolution of the association,

• the transformation of the AISBL into an ASBL, into a cooperative company approved as a social enterprise and into a cooperative company,

• make or accept the free contribution of a universality,

• the adoption and amendment of the IRP,

• the adoption and amendment of the Political Platform,

all other cases where the law or these statutes require it.

Article 17 - Convocation and functioning

The General Assembly shall be convened by the administrative board.
The administrative board convenes at least one annual general assembly in the course of the 1st semester following the closing of the accounts.

The association may convene an additional general assembly at any time by decision of the administrative board or at the request of at least one fifth of the full members. This request is sent via email to the electronic address of the association and includes a statement signed by one fifth or the full members. In the latter case, the administrative board convenes the general assembly within 30 days of the convening request. The general assembly is held no later than 45 days following the convening request.

The administrative board convenes a general assembly by ordinary mail or email, sent at least 15 days before the assembly. The convocation contains the agenda, date, time and place of the assembly. The documents that will be discussed at the general assembly must be made accessible.

The assembly cannot validly deliberate on points that are not mentioned on the agenda, unless a two-thirds majority of the full members present consider that the urgency prevents them from being postponed. It can never be done for the modification of the statutes, the exclusion of a member, the voluntary dissolution of the association and the transformation of the association into an ASBL, into a cooperative company approved as a social enterprise or into a cooperative company.

If necessary, the administrative board can convene an online General Assembly. This means that the General Assembly can be held via an electronic means of communication made available by the association, whereby all participants can communicate with each other, participate in the deliberation, ask questions and simultaneously and continuously take note of the discussions during the meeting.

The members are thus deemed to be present at the place where the General Assembly is held. The association must be able to verify the capacity and identity on the basis of the electronic means of communication used.

The convocation contains a clear and accurate description of the procedures relating to remote participation. The minutes of the General Assembly shall mention any technical problems and incidents that prevented or disrupted participation by electronic means in the General Assembly or in the vote.

Full members can also vote remotely, either by letter or via the website, using a form made available by the association, or via an online voting platform. In the latter case, the voting results must be saved.

Article 18 – Attendance and voting quorums

Each member has the right to attend the general assembly. Only full members have voting rights and each full member has two votes.

Except in the cases provided for by law or these statutes, the General Assembly deliberates validly only if an absolute majority of the full members are present or represented. If this attendance quorum is not reached at the first meeting, a second meeting must be convened that may validly deliberate, regardless of the number of full members present or represented. The second meeting cannot be held less than fifteen days after the first meeting.

By default and except in cases where it is decided otherwise by law or these statutes, the following provisions apply:

• decisions are taken by a simple majority of votes present or represented,

• simple majority means a majority of votes cast excluding null votes, blank votes and abstentions

• absolute majority means a majority of the number of votes present or represented, including null votes, blank votes and abstentions.

• the vote is made in a public manner, unless a simple majority of the full members present request that the ballot be secret or unless the administrative board request that the ballot be secret,

• when the vote relates to decisions concerning individuals, the ballot is always

  secret,

• In addition to the cases provided for in these statutes or by law, a simple two-thirds majority is needed to:

  • change the political platform

  • change the IRP,

  • change the strategic plan

  • allow a candidate to run without the support of their Member Organisation

  • dismiss a member of the Executive Committee

  • dismiss the Secretary-General

• In addition to the cases provided for in these statutes or by law, an absolute two-thirds majority is needed to:

  • vote on immediately implementing changes to the IRP

Article 19 – Amendments to the statutes

The General Assembly can validly deliberate on the modifications to the statutes only if the modifications are explicitly indicated in the convocation and if the General Assembly brings together at least two thirds of the full members, whether they are present or represented. Amendments are adopted by an absolute two-thirds majority of the votes of the full members present or represented.

However, the modification which relates to the disinterested goal or the object of the association can only be adopted by a majority of four fifths of the votes of the full members present or represented.If two-thirds of the full members are not present or represented at the first meeting, a second meeting must be convened that may deliberate validly, regardless of the number of full members present or represented, and adopt the modifications by a majority of four-fifths of the votes of the full members present or represented for the modifications concerning the disinterested goal or the object of the association, and with a two-thirds majority of the votes of the full members present or represented for all the other modifications to the statutes. The second meeting cannot be held less than fifteen days after the first meeting.

When the general assembly decides on amendments to the statutes, null votes, blank votes and abstentions are not taken into account for the calculation of majorities.

Article 20 - Dissolution, free contribution of universality, transformation

The General Assembly can only pronounce the dissolution of the association under the same conditions as those relating to the modification of the object or the disinterested goal for which the association was constituted.

The General Assembly can only decide on a free contribution of universality or on the transformation of the association into an ASBL, into a cooperative company approved as a social enterprise and into a cooperative company, in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Belgian CAC. By default, those decisions are taken by the General Assembly in accordance with article 18 of the statutes.

When the General Assembly decides on the dissolution of the association, a free contribution of universality or the transformation of the AISBL association, into an ASBL, into a cooperative company approved as a social enterprise and into a cooperative company, the null votes, blanks votes and abstentions are not taken into account for the calculation of majorities.

Article 21 – Register of minutes and publications

The decisions of the General Assembly are recorded in a register of minutes, signed at least by the Secretary-General, as well as by all the full members and administrators who wish. This register is kept at the registered office where members can consult it by a simple written and motivated request addressed to the administrative board, but without moving the register. The administrative board might also decide to maintain the register electronically and provide online access to all members or provide an excerpt of the register at the registered office.

Decisions regarding individuals may be brought to the attention of third parties, who demonstrate an interest, by a simple letter signed by the administrator appointed for this purpose. Decisions relating to amendments to the statutes, the appointment and dismissal of administrators and daily management delegates as well as the dissolution or transformation of the association are filed without delay with the competent company court clerk to be published in the Moniteur Belge.

Titre V – Administrative Board

Article 22 - Composition

The association is administered by an administrative board composed of at least three administrators, appointed by the General Assembly amongst the Secretary-General and members of the Executive Committee, preferably the co-spokespeople and the treasurer.

Administrators can only be natural persons.

Article 23 - Duration and end of the mandate

The duration of the mandate is unlimited. In the event of termination of the mandate, the outgoing administrators are eligible for re-election.

An administrator may be dismissed at any time by decision of the General Assembly, without it having to justify its decision. If necessary, the General Assembly provides for the replacement of the dismissed administrator.

Besides dismissal, the mandate of an administrator only terminates by the resignation or death of an administrator. If the death of an administrator has the effect of bringing the number of administrators to a number lower than the legal or statutory minimum, an extraordinary General Assembly is convened to provide for the replacement of said administrator.

As long as the General Assembly has not provided for the replacement of the dismissed or resigned administrator, the latter shall remain in office pending a decision of the General Assembly concerning the appointment of a new administrator.

Article 24 - Resignation

Any administrator who wishes to resign must notify their resignation in writing to the other administrators of the administrative board. In the event of the resignation of an administrator, the General Assembly may be convened to provide for a replacement. If the resignation has the effect of bringing the number of administrators to a number lower than the legal or statutory minimum, the administrator shall remain in office until replaced.

In the event of a vacancy of a mandate, the administrator appointed by the General Assembly to fill it, fulfils the mandate of the one they replace.

Article 25 - Functioning

The administrative board is collegial. It validly takes decisions when they are taken at a meeting, respecting the attendance and voting quorums provided for in these statutes.

The administrative board meets minimum once per year, convocation for this meetings shall be sent by letter or electronic mail at least one day prior to the date of the meeting and shall contain the date, time and, insofar as the meeting does not take place online, the location of the meeting as well as the agenda thereof. The administrative board can also meet whenever convened by the Secretary-General, whenever the needs of the association so require or at the request of any administrator.

The meetings of the administrative board may be held by means of audio and / or video conferencing technologies, as agreed by the administrative board, allowing all participants to communicate with each other and allowing for an effective meeting between the persons concerned.

Decisions can also be taken remotely, as long as the decision is taken in writing and adopted unanimously.

The meetings of the administrative board are chaired by the administrator designated for this purpose.

Article 26 - Presence and voting quorums

The administrative board

can only rule if an absolute majority of administrators are present or represented. Decisions are taken by a simple majority of votes present or represented. Null and blank votes as well as abstentions are not taken into account for the calculation of majorities. In the event of a parity of votes, the item is put on the agenda of the next meeting of the Executive Committee. An administrator can decide to be represented by another administrator, without the latter being able to hold more than one proxy.

Article 27 – Conflicts of interest

An administrator who, within the framework of a decision to be taken, has a direct or indirect interest of a patrimonial nature that is opposed to that of the association, must inform the other administrators before the administrative board takes the decision. Their declaration and explanations on the nature of this conflicting interest must appear in the minutes of the meeting of the administrative board that must take this decision. The administrative board is not allowed to delegate this decision.

The administrator affected by the conflict of interest described in the preceding paragraph may not take part in the deliberations of the administrative board concerning these decisions or these operations, nor take part in the vote on this point. If the majority of administrators present or represented are in a position of conflict of interest, the decision or the operation is submitted to the General Assembly. In the event of approval of the decision or the operation by the latter, the administrative board may execute them. This article does not apply when the decisions of the administrative board relate to usual transactions entered into under normal market conditions and guarantees for transactions of the same nature.

An administrator who, within the framework of a decision to be taken, has an interest of a moral nature that is opposed to that of the association, must inform the other administrators before the administrative board takes the decision. If they neglect to do so, any other administrator who is aware of this conflict must communicate it to the administrative board before the debate takes place. The administrative board decides, by a vote in which the administrator in question cannot take part, whether or not the latter can participate in the debate and the vote. The decision of the body must be mentioned in the minutes of the meeting. The administrative board is not allowed to delegate this decision.

Article 28 - Register of minutes

The decisions of the administrative board are recorded in a register of minutes signed at least by the Secretary-General and all the other administrators who so wish. This register is kept at the registered office where members can read it with a simple written and motivated request addressed to the administrative board, but without moving the register. The administrative board might also decide to maintain the register electronically and provide online access to all members or provide an excerpt of the register at the registered office.

Article 29 - Powers

The administrative board shall have the power to perform all acts necessary or useful for the realisation of the objects and the disinterested goal of the association, except for such acts for which the General Assembly has exclusive authority under the law or in accordance with these statutes.

Notwithstanding the obligations arising from functioning as a collegial board, namely consultation and supervision, the administrators may share the management tasks amongst themselves. This division of labour cannot be invoked as against third parties, even after the same has been made public. However, non-compliance with the same shall jeopardise the internal liability of the administrator(s) concerned.

Article 30 – General representation of the association

The administrative board manages the affairs of the association and represents it in all operations in and out of court. The administrative board is competent for all matters, with the exception of those expressly reserved by law to the General Assembly. The administrative board acts as plaintiff and defendant in all legal proceedings and decides whether or not to seek remedies.

Without prejudice to the general power of representation of the administrative board as a college in the previous paragraph, the association is also represented in court, both as plaintiff and defendant, by at least one administrators, without it being necessary to demonstrate a prior decision of the administrative board. The administrative board can also delegate this task to a lawyer. Out of court, the association can be represented by two administrators, who aren’t daily management delegates, without it being necessary to demonstrate a prior decision of the administrative board.

The administrative board can also appoint authorized representatives of the association. Only special and limited powers of attorney for specific or a series of specific acts are permitted. The authorized representatives must then rely on the power of attorney to make known their power of representation. The authorised representatives shall bind the association within the limits of the power of attorney granted to them, the limits of which shall be enforceable against third parties.

The administrative board is responsible for the appointment and dismissal of the authorized representatives of the association. The term of appointment of the authorized representatives is indefinite. The following reasons can lead to their dismissal: non-compliance with the statutes, the internal rule of procedure, decisions of the General Assembly and of the administrative board. This list is not exhaustive.

Article 31 - Daily management

The administrative board shall ensure the daily management of the association. It may delegate, under its supervision and responsibility, the daily management to one or more administrators or to one or more employees of the association (hereinafter called the “daily management delegates”).

The daily management of the association includes both the actions and decisions that do not go beyond the needs of the daily life of the association and those which, either because of their minor importance or because of their urgent nature, do not justify the intervention of the administrative board.

In case of delegation, the daily management delegates will be appointed by the administrative board by a simple majority of votes. The resignation or termination procedure of the daily management delegate is governed by Belgian law, in accordance with the employment or cooperation agreement between the association and the daily management delegate. The daily management delegate is entitled to a renumeration insofar this is stipulated in the agreement. The duration of the mandate of the daily management delegate is linked to the term of the agreement between the association and the daily management delegate.

The daily management delegate is responsible for operations related to, but not limited to,:

• implementation of the decisions of the General Assembly and the administrative board;

• reporting on activities;

• recruiting and firing staff;

• communications;

• signing agreements related to the day-to-day operation of the association;

• executing payments;

The daily management delegate(s) represents the association externally. If there are several of them, they act individually and only for contracts and commitments up to 20,000.00 EUR.

Article 32 - Publications

The acts relating to the appointment or termination of the functions of the administrators and the persons delegated to the daily management include their surname, first names, domicile, national number, date and place of birth.

All deeds are filed as soon as possible with the competent company court clerk, in order to be published in the Moniteur Belge.

Article 33 - Liability of administrators

The administrators and daily management delegates shall be liable to the association for errors committed during the performance of their duties.

With regard to third parties, the administrators shall be liable for extra-contractual errors.

However, administrators are liable only for decisions, acts or conduct that are manifestly outside the range within which normally prudent and careful administrator, placed in the same circumstances, might reasonably differ.

The administrative board is in principle jointly and severally liable unless an administrator proves that he has reported the alleged error to the administrative board, in which case the administrator concerned is relieved of liability.

If the liability of the administrative board or its administrators is retained, it shall be limited to the liability that is mandatorily imposed under the law.

Title VI – Executive Committee

Article 34 - Composition

The administrative board is advised and supported by an executive committee composed of at least three people, appointed by the General Gssembly.

Executive committee members can only be natural persons.

Article 35 - Format, role and functioning

The dispositions and rules regarding the mandate, appointment, resignation, dismissal, powers, functioning and decision making of the executive committee are detailed in the Internal Rules of Procedure.

Title VII – Internal Rules of Procedures

Article 36 - Adoption and modification

The administrative board shall draw up all such Internal Rules of Procedures (IRP) as it may deem necessary and present these at the General Assembly for approval and for any possible amendments. Such internal regulations may not contain any provisions contrary to the CAC or the statutes.

The IRP and any amendments thereto shall be notified to the Members in accordance with Article 2:32 of the CAC, if applicable. The latest approved version of the IRP shall always be available for inspection at the registered office of the association and on the website of the association. It can be obtained with a simple written request sent to the administrative board.

Title VIII – Accounts and budgets

Article 37 - Financial year and account management

The financial year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31.

The administrative board prepares and closes the accounts for the past financial year in accordance with the provisions of Book 3 of the CAC and Book III, Title 3, Chapter 2 of the Code of Economic Law, as well as the budget of the following year and submits them for approval to the annual General Assembly.

After approval of the financial statements by the annual General Assembly, the latter decides in a separate vote on the administrator's discharge. This discharge is only legally valid if the true state of the association is not obscured by any omission or incorrect statement in the annual accounts, and, with regard to the additional transaction under the articles of association or contrary to the law, if these are specifically indicated in the convening notice.

Title IX – Dissolution and liquidation

Article 38 - Liquidation

Except in case of judicial dissolution, only the General Assembly can pronounce the dissolution of the association in accordance with Book 2, Title 8, Chapter 2 and 3 of the CAC and article 20 of the statutes.

In this case, the General Assembly appoints one or more liquidators, determines their powers and their possible compensation, and indicates the allocation to be given to the net assets that can only be made for disinterested purposes similar to the disinterested goal as described in article 4 of the statutes.

Article 39 - Allocation of remaining net assets

In all cases of voluntary or judicial dissolution, after the settlement of debts, the net assets will be assigned to another organisation that pursues a similar disinterested goal as described in article 4 of the statutes.

Title X – Final Provision

Article 40 - Application of the Companies and Associations Code

Everything that is not explicitly provided for in these statutes is regulated by the CAC or any changes, any replacements or (future) implementations thereof.

1. Member Organizations

2. General Assembly

3. Election and Voting Procedures

4. Bodies

5. Relations with other organisations

6. Event Management

7. Financial Management

Annex 1: Organisation of the General Assembly 22

Annex 2: Working Group Guidelines 28

Annex 3: Safer Spaces Policy

General Principles

FYEG will have minimal statutes that only contain what legally matters and they will be revised in case the Belgian law changes. All other matters will be taken care of in the IRPs.

The IRPs must never contradict the statutes, they can elaborate.

The IRPs shall be facilitating and helping with decision-making processes as well as the organisation of the federation. There shall be no more rules than necessary.

This document shall be accessible to every MO on the website.

All acts, invoices, publications, official letters and websites, in electronic form or not, emanating from the association must mention:

- its full or abbreviated name, immediately preceded or followed by “AISBL” or “international non-profit association”,

- the precise indication of its registered office,

- its company number,

- the terms "register of legal persons" or the abbreviation "RPM" followed by the indication of the court of the registered office of the legal person,

- if applicable, their email address and website,

- the number of at least one account held by the association with a credit institution established in Belgium,

- if applicable, the indication that the association is in liquidation.

1. Member Organizations

1.1. Membership

1.1.1. Membership categories

The association is made up of member organisations only and has three categories of member organisations:

Full members

Candidate members

Associate members

1.1.2. Membership criteria

Membership criteria are detailed in the Statutes.

1.1.3. Conditions of admission of candidate members

Conditions of admission of candidate member organisations are detailed in the Statutes.

1.1.4. Conditions of admission of full members

Conditions of admission of full member organisations are detailed in the Statutes.

In addition, a candidate member organisation must apply for full membership latest at the General Assembly three years after it has received its candidate member organisation status. If the candidate member organisation does not apply for full membership in the third year of its candidacy, the Executive Committee can propose the suspension or exclusion of the candidate member organisation.

1.1.5. Conditions of admission of associate members

Conditions of admission of associate member organisations are detailed in the Statutes.

1.1.6. Resignation of members

Conditions for the resignation of members are detailed in the Statutes.

1.1.7. Suspension of members

Conditions for the suspension of members are detailed in the Statutes.

The Executive Committee has a right to propose the suspension of a member organisation to the General Assembly in the following cases (not limited to):

• no update or other contact is made between a member and the FYEG Executive Committee between two General Assemblies,

• the member organisation doesn’t fulfil one or more of the membership criteria,

• the member organisation didn’t pay their membership fee,

• major changes that happened in the member organisation, which need to be investigated by the EC.

The suspension of a member means that the organisation loses its voting rights. When a member is suspended, the Executive Committee:

1. informs the member organisation about the suspension via an e-mail and explain the consequences

2. makes all reasonable efforts to enable the member to regain its full membership

3. creates a report on this process and presents it at the following General Assembly.

1.1.8. Exclusion of members

Conditions for the exclusion of members are detailed in the Statutes.

The exclusion of an MO means that this organisation is not listed as a member organisation anymore and hence loses all of its rights within FYEG. Following an exclusion, an organisation that wishes to rejoin FYEG is expected to follow the entire membership procedure, as a new organisation would.

The rejoining organisation is required to inform GA about changes that happened in their organisation since leaving FYEG and explanation of their decision about rejoining.

1.1.9. Suspension and exclusion in case of non-payment of membership fee

The suspension and exclusion of member organisation in case of non-payment of membership fee is further detailed in the Statutes.

1.1.10. Membership fee

FYEG has an annual membership fee. The ceiling is stated in the Statutes.

Each full member organisation shall pay an annual membership fee to FYEG. This membership fee shall correspond to 1 % of the total incomes of their previous year’s realised budget with a minimum of 50 EUR for the EU and European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and 25 EUR for all other European countries.

By way of derogation to the previous paragraph, the General Assembly may decide, in duly justified cases, to lower the amount of the membership fee that a Member Organisation shall pay, following a recommendation of the Executive Committee. Requests for lowering the Membership fee shall be sent by a Member Organisation to the Executive Committee at the latest 2 weeks before the GA.

Each full MO shall pay their membership fee for the running year on the first evening of the GA at the latest, if it has not already been transferred earlier.

Full MOs are requested to provide their annual budget statement for the previous year at the latest. A document listing the amount of the membership fee paid by each MO and the way it has been calculated must be annexed to the financial report of the year in question.

1.1.11. Membership reviews

The Executive Committee presents a review of the FYEG Member Organisations as part of the Executive Committee Report. The review can include the following information:

Overview of the region and its meetings and activities,

The Member Organisations' engagement with FYEG activities during the year,

Major changes to the Member Organisation.

In case of major changes (change of organisations' name, split in the organisation, merge with another organisation, change of political affiliation, etc.), the Executive Committee can propose the General Assembly to vote on that change. The General Assembly may, among other options, take note of the change or suspend the membership of the organisation to give sufficient time to the Executive Committee to look into the situation.

1.2. Working with Member Organisations

1.2.1. Member Organisation Duties

Each MO should keep FYEG updated about:

- changes in the board

- valid contact addresses for the MO list and the website

- activities

1.2.2. FYEG duties

FYEG will provide the Member Organisations with:

- information about statutory meetings

- minutes and reports from statutory meetings and long ECMs

- a newsletter containing information and participation possibilities in current activities

- regularly updated contacts of other Member Organisations

2. General Assembly

2.1. Composition

The General Assembly is the highest decision body. The General Assembly is composed of one or two delegates per full member organisation, candidate member organisation and associate member organisation.

MOs should strive to send delegations to GA that are gender-balanced and consist of delegates maximum aged 30 years old. If the organisation is unable to find delegates within the age limit, they can send older delegates aged 31-35.

The delegates can be asked to pay a participation fee for the General Assembly.

People who are employed by FYEG or are members of the FYEG Executive Committee cannot be delegates to the general assembly.

2.2. Powers

The power of the General Assembly is detailed in the Statutes.

In addition to what Statutes state, a decision of the General Assembly is required in the following cases:

- the adoption and amendment of the Activity plan for the upcoming year,

- the adoption and amendment of Resolutions,

- the election of the Financial Control and Advisory Committee,

- the election of the Editorial Board of Ecosprinter,

- the election of the FYEG representative to the European Green Party Committee,

- the approval of the Advisory Committee

- the approval of the Presidency of the General Assembly

- Decision about joining (or leaving) membership with other organisations/networks

The General Assembly also hears the following reports:

- Activity Report

- Executive Committee and Secretary General Report

- FYEG's Representative to the EGP Committee

- Ecosprinter Editorial Board report

- Financial Control and Advisory Committee report

- Advisory Committee report

2.3. Functioning

The Administrative Board and the Executive Committee summons the annual General Assembly. FYEG Member Organisations are summoned to the General Assembly via ordinary mail or e-mail. The convocation contains the agenda, date, time and place of the General Assembly.

General Assembly is presided in line with the Meeting Rules (Annex - 1)

The rules for holding extraordinary General Assembly are detailed in the Statutes.

Changestothe statutory and internal organisational documents take effect from the first working day after the GA meeting where they were changed, except when the GA votes for their immediate implementation through a second vote requiring an absolute two-thirds majority. Persons elected by the General Assembly will start their mandate from the first working day after the GA meeting where they were elected, unless other rules apply for their mandate.

2.4. Deadlines and calls

The call for hosting the General Assembly must be sent out by latest 1st of October of every year with a one month deadline. The selection of the hosting organisation is done by the Executive Committee.

The remaining deadlines are structured as follows:

12 Weeks before the General Assembly the Executive Committee must send out a call for:

Registration

the executive committee (if applicable)

the secretary general (if applicable)

the financial control and advisory committee

the ecosprinter editorial board

the FYEG representative to the EGP committee

the presidency

10 weeks before the General Assembly:

The Executive Committee must also organise an online information session, explaining the functioning of the General Assembly and promoting the different open positions.

9 weeks before the General Assembly is the deadline for:

applications of presidency

6 weeks before the General Assembly is the deadline for:

registration of delegates

applications of organisations for associate, candidate or full membership

applications of Secretary General candidates

applications for the FYEG nominee to the EGP Committee

4 Weeks before the General Assembly is the deadline for:

submission of resolutions

amendments to the Political Platform, the Internal Rules and Procedures and the Strategic Plan

Reports and Plans to be sent out to Member Organisations

Executive Committee candidates

Financial Control and Advisory Committee candidates

Ecosprinter Editorial Board candidates

the submission of proposals to add point to the GA agenda, any such proposal must be signed by one-twentieth of the full member organisations, as detailed in the Statutes

In case the number of candidates is less than the number of positions open and/or if the gender quota is not met, the Executive Committee will re-open the call for additional candidates of the underrepresented gender and/or positions with lacking candidates.

3 weeks before the General Assembly is the deadline for:

publication of Candidacies

publication of Executive Committee recommendations on potential member organisations (for full, candidate or associate membership)

publication of Executive Committee recommendations on exclusion and/or suspension of member organisations

sending the GA agenda, as detailed in the Statutes

2 weeks before the General Assembly is the deadline for:

publication of support for candidates

1 week before the General Assembly is the deadline for:

amendments to the resolutions, Activity Plan and Financial Plan

Other deadlines:

The deadline for submitting emergency resolutions must be 2 days before the start of the General Assembly. At the end of the General Assembly's first day, the assembly sets a deadline for amendments to the emergency resolutions.

2.5. Submission of resolutions and amendments

At the general assembly Full Member Organisations and the Executive Committee have the right to submit resolutions, and amendments to resolutions, the political platform, the activity and financial plan, the strategic plan, the statutes and the IRPs, bearing in mind the deadlines specified under 2.4. Support of 3 Full Member Organizations is needed in order to table an emergency resolution.

2.6. Presidency

The General Assembly confirms the Presidency proposed by the Executive Committee before any other decisions are made.

The Presidency then:

• chairs the meetings and discussions at the General Assembly

• prepares the resolutions, amendments and voting procedures for the General Assembly

• is responsible for taking the minutes of the General Assembly

The Presidency:

• consists of four to six people who must not be candidates to any positions at the General Assembly.

• can be suspended and simultaneously replaced with an absolute two-third majority by the assembly. Such a vote of no-confidence can be demanded by at least 5% of the delegates, who must present people for the new Presidency.

2.7. Participation fee

A participation fee to the General Assembly can be set up if the Treasurer finds it necessary.

The following participants of the General Assembly are exempt from paying the participation fee:

One delegate per Full, Candidate and Associate Member Organisation,

Executive Committee members

the Secretary-General and office

members of the Presidency

If a full Member Organisation sends a second delegate the participation fee is halved in case at least one of the two delegates self-identifies as women, intersex, nonbinary, trans or agender. Treasurer can grant exemption or lowering of the fee to participant that request it.

2.8. Travel reimbursement

Full reimbursement of travel costs is granted to:

• one delegate per full, candidate or associate Member Organisation

• Executive Committee members

• the Secretary-General and the office

• candidates for the Executive Committee elections

• candidates for the Secretary-General elections, provided they have received approval by the pre-selection committee

• candidates for the FYEG Representative to the EGP Committee, provided they have received approval by the pre-selection committee

• members of the presidency

The Treasurer can decide to reimburse travel costs for:

• delegates of organisations applying for candidate membership in FYEG

• candidates for all open positions

• the second delegate of a full, candidate or associate Member Organisation if at least one delegate self-identifies as women, intersex, nonbinary, trans or agender.

3. Election and Voting Procedures

3.1. Attendance and voting quorums

In line with the Statutes, each Member Organisation has the right to attend the General Assembly. Only Full Member Organisations have voting rights and each Full Member Organisation has two votes.

3.1.1. Principles

In line with the Statutes, the General Assembly deliberates validly only if 50 % + 1 of the Full Member Organisations are present or represented. The Statutes detail the steps to follow in case the attendance quorum is not reached.

In line with the Statutes, in principle all decisions in FYEG are taken by a simple majority of votes registered for the General Assembly. When voting, abstention is always an option. When the vote relates to decisions concerning persons or Member Organisations, the ballot is always secret. The voting body can decide to have other voting procedures processed through secret ballot.

3.1.2. Procedures

Definitions

Votes registered at General Assembly - the number of Member Organisations and their delegates who are registered for the General Assembly and have voted in the determination of the General Assembly quorum

Votes cast - the number of votes that were submitted.

Simple majority

Majority of the votes cast, i.e. the number of “Yes” votes exceed the number of “No” votes.

Abstentions are not considered in the count.

Examples:

Out of 20 votes: 11 yes, 9 no, 0 abstentions: passed; 1 yes, 0 no, 19 abstentions: passed.

10 yes; 10 no; 0 abstentions. not passed. 10 yes, 9 no, 1 abstention: passed.

Absolute majority

To pass "yes" should reach the majority (half+1, or half + 0.5 in case of odd number) of the number of votes registered at the General Assembly.

Note that it is number of votes registered, not number of votes cast. This means that if less than half of the voters are present and vote, this majority can never be reached.

Examples:

20 voters registered: need 11 or more yes votes.

21 voters registered: need 11 or more yes votes.

22 voters registered: need 12 or more yes votes.

Simple two-thirds majority

Two thirds of the votes cast.

Absolute two-thirds majority

Two thirds of the number of votes registered.

Note that it is the number of votes registered, not the number of votes cast. This means that if less than two thirds of the voters are present and vote this majority can never be reached.

Examples:

20 voters: need 14 yes or more votes.

21 voters registered: need 14 or more yes votes.

22 voters registered: need 15 or more yes votes.

3.2. Election of candidates

3.2.1. Principles

FYEG uses a Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system with a standard droop quota. Mathematically, this is the next integer larger than V / (n+1) when V = the total number of valid votes and n is the number of positions available. Specifically recommended is the Scottish STV system.

3.2.2. Procedures

The main principle is to rank all the candidates according to the voter's preferences for each candidate. Where 1 is the first preference 2 the second preference and so on.

Voters can rank all candidates even if the number of candidates exceeds the number of positions. Voters can decide to not rank some of the candidates even if this means leaving the ballot partially blank.

Only a completely blank ballot counts as abstention, an abstention counts under the exception below.

If a simple majority of all ballots cast do not rank the candidate with any numbers they are excluded from the election.

0 - All ballots are inspected to determine that candidates have received a simple majority of any kind of ranking on cast ballots. If not, they will be excluded from the election.

1 – The candidates who have reached the election quota (i.e. election threshold) are elected.

2 – If some positions are still available, the following process starts:

2a – The left-over votes on candidates reaching the election threshold are redistributed according to second preferences, using the Single Transferable Vote system of distribution.

2b – If one or more candidates have reached the election threshold, that/those candidate(s) are elected in order from highest to lowest vote count. The process then starts again from point (2).

2c – If no candidate reaches the threshold in this way, the candidate with the lowest amount of votes is removed from the election. The ballot-papers that ranked this candidate as their first remaining preference are redistributed according to their second preference. The process is then restarted (1).

2d - If, following the calculation of the election result, one or more candidates is elected who is ineligible due to quota regulations, these candidates (who had the least number of votes) are removed from the pool of candidates and the entire election is recalculated. That is to say, the election is recalculated, and each time the ineligible candidate would have received a preference vote, the vote instead goes to the voter’s next preference.

3.2.3. Exceptions

At the General Assembly:

Concerning the Executive Committee elections:

The spokespersons and the treasurer are elected separately from the rest of the Executive Committee positions.

Concerning the Advisory Committee:

The newly elected Executive Committee will present the proposed Advisory Committee to the General Assembly. The General Assembly ratifies the proposed Advisory Committee by a simple majority vote.

Between General Assemblies:

Concerning the replacement of a resigned Executive Committee member:

If an Executive Committee member resigns, a new Executive Committee member can be elected to replace them.

The Executive Committee will publishes a call for candidates for the vacant position. Candidates will be elected via an electronic vote.

Any replaced EC member will have full voting rights in the Executive Committee.

3.3. Electronic voting

The Executive Committee can call for an electronic vote between General Assemblies in urgent matters. It is the duty of the Executive Committee to provide enough information for the full Member Organisations to make an informed decision.

Each full Member Organisation has 2 votes. When voting, abstention is always an option.

The voting period is set to two weeks with a one week reminder.

The Statutes, the Internal Rules and Procedures, the Strategic Plan and the Political Platform cannot be subject to any electronic vote between the General Assemblies.

Results will be announced within one week after the closing of the vote and include detailed information.

3.4. Tiebreakers

3.4.1. Tiebreakers on point of substance

In the case of a tie between two points of substance, the vote shall be held again. If the result is once again a tie, the body voting may choose to vote once more, table the discussion to later in the meeting, or decide by some form of chance. Note that this paragraph is not intended to apply to ties between “yes”, “no”, or “abstain” where some point of substance requires a majority to pass.

3.4.2. Tiebreakers relating to elections

If the tie occurs between two candidates in an election, and only one may be elected, a vote shall be held to decide between them. If the result is once again a tie, the body voting may choose to vote once more or decide by some form of chance. At any point during this, either candidate may choose to withdraw.

3.5. Dismissal of elected persons

3.5.1. Dismissal of Executive Committee member

Two thirds of the Executive Committee can propose dismissal of an Executive Committee member.

The Full Member Organisations vote on the proposed resignation through electronic vote.

The vote is based on two letters: a letter of justification from the majority of Executive Committee members proposing the dismissal and an optional letter of defence from the Executive Committee member.

If at least one third of the full MOs participate in the vote and a two third majority is reached the Executive Committee member is dismissed.

3.5.2. Dismissal of Secretary-General

Two thirds of the Executive Committee can propose the dismissal of the Secretary-General.An additional General Assembly must then be convened by a decision of the Administrative Board under the applicable rules (as set out in the statutes), where the Member Organisations vote on both the dismissal of the existing Secretary-General, and the election and appointment to the Administrative Board of a new interim Secretary-General.The Executive Committee has the right to in writing and orally inform the Member Organisations as to why they have proposed the dismissal, and the Secretary-General the right to defend themselves.

If quorum is reached (as detailed in the Statutes) and a simple two-thirds majority is found at the additional General Assembly for dismissing the Secretary-General, the Secretary-General is dismissed.The Executive Committee can propose dismissal of the Secretary General, with two-thirds of the votes of the members of the EC. The Member Organisations must be notified within 8 days about the decision and the Executive Committee must appoint a Secretary-General ad interim within 8 weeks after the decision of the Executive Committee. The Secretary General ad interim will continue until the election of a new Secretary General at the subsequent General Assembly. The new interim Secretary-General will take over the mandate over the former Secretary-General, expiring whenever the former Secretary-General’s mandate would have expired. They have all the powers and responsibilities of the former Secretary-General.

3.6. Gender quota

In all elected bodies there must be a minimum of 50% of people that self-identify as women, intersex, nonbinary, trans or agender.

If there is only one position in a body, there is no quota. However it is encouraged that people that self-identify as women, intersex, nonbinary, trans or agender alternate in this position.

4. Bodies

4.1. Administrative Board

In line with the Statutes, the association is administered by an administrative board composed of three people, appointed by the general assembly amongst the Secretary-General, and members of the Executive Committee, preferably the Spokespeople and the Treasurer.

4.2. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee members are responsible for making strategic and political decisions about the organisation during their mandate and between General Assemblies.

The Executive Committee is composed of eight people:

who are elected by the General Assembly with a two-year mandate

whose mandate can be renewed two times

in case of by-election, the term only counts as a mandate if it exceeds 9 months

an EC member can not hold two mandates in the same role

An EC candidate must not be older than 32 on the year of election.

A mandate is the period between one Annual GA and the second to next Annual GA.

Within the EC there are two spokespersons, who must not be from the same Member Organisation, the treasurer and five additional members. The gender quota applies to the spokespersons.

The Executive Committee:

is responsible for the relations with the Member Organisations,

has the right to make statements on behalf of FYEG, in line with the political platform

oversees the implementation of the activity plan as decided by the General Assembly

receives and handles applications from organisations that wish to join FYEG and produces a report for the General Assembly including voting recommendation

can engage FYEG in partnerships with external movements, networks and organisations

select members of non-elected temporary bodies and provides political support to them (such as the prep-teams, working groups, task forces etc.)

The Executive Committee members represent FYEG to its partners, member organisations and other stakeholders.

4.2.1. Spokespeople

The Spokespersons:

Coordinate the Executive Committee

Represent FYEG to the public and are a contact point for people from outside the Federation.

Represent FYEG with the Partners and attend European Green Party Committee meetings

Are responsible for the secretariat

The mandate of the spokespersons is further stated in the internal delegation order of FYEG, adopted by the Executive Committee on an annual basis.

4.2.2. Treasurer

The Treasurer is responsible for the yearly budget of FYEG. The treasurer works closely together with the Secretary General and the Office, that ensures the daily financial management of the organisation. The treasurer:

prepares the financial report to the Executive Committee and to the General Assembly

prepares a budget plan for the General Assembly

has regular meetings with the Office to check the budget

The mandate of the treasurer is further stated in the internal delegation order of FYEG, adopted by the Executive Committee on an annual basis

4.3. Secretary-General

The Secretary General is elected for a three year mandate at the General Assembly. The mandate can only be renewed once. The total duration of the mandate of the Secretary-General can not exceed two mandates and the time held as "interim Secretary-General" is not counted as part of a mandate.

The tasks of the Secretary General include:

the legal representation of the organisation

Managing the FYEG Secretariat and making sure that each office member fulfils their responsibilities and tasks

Facilitating and assisting the work of the Executive Committee

Overseeing the HR processes

Overseeing the execution of FYEG Activity Plan

Overseeing FYEG finances, including fundraising, reporting, handling FYEG bank accounts, accounting,

Making sure that the statutory deadlines and process are respected

Overseeing the organisation of the statutory activities

Overseeing FYEG's external communications and campaigns

Monitoring key political events and policy developments on the European level to serve as a resource for FYEG's political work

Maintaining good contacts with FYEG's partners and Member Organisations and other stakeholders

If mandated by the Executive Committee, the Secretary General can externally represent FYEG and its position

4.4. FYEG’s Representative to the European Green Party Committee

As outlined in the Statutes and the Rule Book of the European Green Party, the Committee is the executive body of the European Green Party and is responsible for its political and strategical development and functioning within the budget and the guidelines approved by the Congress. The Committee consists of 13 members, out of which 4 are elected for specific functions, 8 regular members and 1 seat nominated by FYEG.

The Committee mandate is 3 years. Members may not serve more than three terms. The Committee’s general tasks and responsibilities are further detailed in the European Green Party Statutes.

FYEG nominates one member to the EGP Committee. Hereafter, this person will be referred to as the representative. This representative cannot hold any of the four specific posts of the Petit Committee of the European Green Party (Co-Chairs, Treasurer and the Secretary General). The nomination of this FYEG representative will follow the Committee elections deadlines.

FYEG's representative is elected at the General Assembly. They must not be older than 35 years old at the year of election. They are required to attend at least one live Executive Committee meeting every year. Moreover they must submit a report to the General Assembly every year, detailing the work that they have done in the EGP Committee. They can be asked to attend more FYEG Executive Committee meetings and FYEG events to represent the EGP Committee.

4.5. Financial Control and Advisory Committee

At the General Assembly, members of the Financial Control and Advisory Committee (FCAC) are elected for a two year mandate.

The FCAC is composed of two members. Its members must not be members of the Executive Committee nor financially depending on FYEG.

The FCAC’s tasks include:

At least one meeting a year, dedicated to checking FYEG’s finances. A written report of this meeting must be submitted to the EC, thereby providing an internal audit.

the presentation of this yearly report to the delegates at the GA. The financial report that is to be presented to the GA and all other relevant material have to be ready and at disposal for the meeting.

Providing recommendations to FYEG Treasurer and Secretary General regarding the financial management and the financial orientations of FYEG.

It is recommended that the EC and the office share relevant information related to the finances of the organisation to FCAC throughout the year.

4.6. Office

In addition to the Secretary General, FYEG may recruit employees for its Office.

In principle, all recruitments are made after an open and public call. The decision on the selected candidate is done in line with the internal delegation order of the FYEG, adopted by the Executive Committee on an annual basis.

The Executive Committee adopts “Guidelines and Rules for the Office” in line with legal requirements. This document is made available to all employees, especially when new employees are recruited.

Salaries are decided upon in line with the internal delegation order of the FYEG, based on the financial plans adopted by the General Assembly.

4.7. Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee ensures the transfer of knowledge within FYEG and acts as a conflict resolution body. It is appointed for two years at the General Assembly. The Advisory Committee is composed of 5 members. Action by the Advisory Committee is taken only upon request by Executive Committee members of other bodies of FYEG. Its tasks are:

providing their shared experience on a specific subject

assisting in conflict resolution between Executive Committee members, members of other Bodies and/or office

providing general or specific mentorship for Executive Committee members on an individual needs basis.

If requested by the Executive Committee, advising the Executive Committee on organisational and structural matters

In order to enable the Advisory Committee to fulfil this tasks it is granted the following:

one-way access to the email-list of the Executive Committee throughout the year, meaning the possibility to read conversations but not actively take part

access to the online storing spaces of the Executive Committee, without editing rights.

attendance at online or offline meetings of the Executive Committee

During its duty, the Advisory Committee must respect the secrecy of internal matters. At the General Assembly, the Advisory Committee must present a brief overview of the functioning of the Executive Committee and office. If prompted, the Advisory Committee make recommendation within 8 weeks, after oral or written consultation of involved parties, and to the best of all members’ knowledge. Recommendation of the Advisory Committee have to be provided in written form to parties involved.

4.8. Working Group

Working groups have the following functions within FYEG :

helping with the acquirement and create professional documents on current and selected topics

providing the groundwork for the formulation of political positions

promoting the involvement of Member Organisations and green activists in FYEG Working Groups

providing space for a debate between young Green activists on the European level

supporting the Executive Committee, office and prep-teams in the organisation of events and campaigns

supporting the Executive Committee and Prep-teams in policy related preparations for FYEG events

Working groups are formed by the Executive Committee, with a defined scope, aim, working area and timeframe. This defined scope is outlined by the Executive Committee responsible for the working group and working group coordinators at the start of the mandate to complement FYEG's priorities. The creation of a working group may be planned in the annual activity plan adopted by the General Assembly but the Executive Committee may also decide to create ad-hoc working groups.

Working groups must not work against the political platform of FYEG. Further details on how to form, manage and communicate Working Groups is detailed in the Annex - 2 Working Groups Guidelines.

4.9. Ecosprinter Editorial Board

The Ecosprinter is the Member Organisations magazine of FYEG and is created by an autonomous editorial board, elected at the General Assembly. The Ecosprinter is published online and FYEG should strive for a printed version.

The mission of the Ecosprinter is to:

provide a forum for commentary and internal debate

provide the spaces for blogs and articles of members of FYEG

inform about European Green policies and politics

report and comment about culture, politics and discussions they believe are of importance.

The Ecosprinter Editorial Board:

consist of four members of which only one may be an EC member

has to be gender-balanced

can elect an Editor-in-Chief among its members

work on the mission and development of the Ecosprinter

In case there is not a consensus within the Ecosprinter Editorial Board on the election of the Editor-in-Chief, or an absolute majority, the Executive Committee can appoint the Editor-in-Chief. The role of the editor in chief is to coordinate the work of the Ecosprinter Editorial Board and ensure that the mission of the Ecosprinter is fulfilled.

4.10. Conflict of Interest

In case a decision needs to be taken and a member of an FYEG body has a conflict of interest, financial or moral, they must inform the other members of the body before the decision is taken and the following procedure applies:

- the nature of the conflict of interest must appear in the minutes of the meeting,

- the person with a conflict of interest may not participate in the debate and the vote related to the decision in question.

- except for the Executive Committee itself, the body in question is allowed to delegate this decision to the Executive Committee,

- when the decision is delegated to a second body, the first body may still execute the decision.

If someone neglects to disclose a conflict of interest, any other member who is aware of the conflict must inform the rest of the members before the debate and decision takes place. Without the member concerned by the conflict of interest present, the body decides by a vote whether or not this member can participate in the debate and the vote. This decision must be mentioned in the minutes of the meeting. The body is allowed to delegate this decision.

In case the majority of members present or represented are in a position of conflict of interest, the decision must be delegated to the Executive Committee.

In case the majority of members of the Executive Committee are in a position of conflict of interest, the decision must be delegated to the General Assembly.

This chapter does not apply when the decision in question relates to usual transactions, entered into under normal market conditions and guarantees for transactions of the same nature.

5. Relations with other organisations

5.1. General principles

FYEG may:

become a member of other organisations/networks

become a temporary or permanent partner of other organisations/networks/alliances

set up new organisations and networks

The Executive Committee may take the decision to become a temporary or permanent partner of other organisation/networks/alliances. The decision to become a member of other organisations/networks or to set up new organisations/networks should be approved by the General Assembly.

Furthermore the EC must:

provide a list of organisations that FYEG is a member of, as well as a description of FYEG’s rights and responsibilities and the contact details of the concerned organisations

report at the GA about all the partnerships FYEG has maintained during the year and provide details upon request by a MO

5.2. European Green Party

FYEG is the official youth wing of the European Green Party (EGP). Relations between FYEG and EGP are further specified in the EGP-FYEG relationship agreement.

5.3. Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe

FYEG and Cooperation and Development Network (CDN) are sister organisations and cooperate together to their mutual benefit. Relations between FYEG and CDN are further specified in the CDN-FYEG relationship agreement.

5.4. Global Young Greens

FYEG supports the building and working of Global Young Greens (GYG), striving to help GYG with financial and organisational matters.

6. Event Management

6.1. Participants

Participants to an event are selected in line with the internal delegation order of the FYEG, striving for gender, age and geographical balance.

The Executive Committee decides if the event is open to all or only to the delegates of Member Organisations.

The FYEG Safer Spaces Policy and the Anti Sexual Harassment protocol shall be communicated and presented to all participants.

6.2. Prep Team

A Prep Team is a temporary bodies, created for the planning, organisation and follow-up of specific projects.

A Prep Team is set up via an open call procedure.

In line with the internal delegation order of the FYEG, the final decisions on the Prep Team's composition and all necessary replacements are done by the responsible Executive Committee member. They must always:

strive for gender and geographical balance

ensure compliance to specific set of rules imposed by partners and funders

A Prep Team can take decisions concerning their project independently. If needed, a Prep Team can consult the Executive Committee in order to solve possible internal problems.

6.3. Alcohol and intoxicating substances

Organisers of the event shall make sure that underaged participants are not exposed to dangerous situations involving alcohol or illegal drugs.

This shall be ensured by, among others, the following measures:

Participants below 16 and those for whom it is forbidden by domestic laws, shall not consume alcohol or illegal drugs, and one shall not offer any to them. In the event that this does take place, all parties responsible must be banned from the rest of the programme. Moreover, their respective MO(s) shall be notified by the Executive Committee upon violation of these rules;

Alcohol and illegal drugs shall not be consumed during the official sessions part of the programme;

FYEG shall look into organising sessions and parties in other places than those where alcohol consumption is central, such as bars or clubs;

Members of the Executive Committee and the Prep Team shall lead by example and abstain from excessively drinking alcohol and from using illegal drugs during an event. Additionally, two people, from either the Executive Committee or the Prep Team, should be appointed to stay sober during the programme.

7. Financial Management

The FYEG financial year starts on 1st of January and ends on 31st of December as is reflected in FYEG budget. The financial management of FYEG is done through the decision-making, execution and control of different bodies in line with Belgian law and the delegation order adopted by each Executive Committee.

FYEG’s internal financial management is organised as follows:

The General Assembly approves of the yearly Budget Report and amends and adopts the yearly Budget Plan

The Executive Committee approves the General Budget Plan and Report presented by the Treasurer, before they are submitted to the General Assembly.

The Treasurer regularly monitors the implementation of the overall budget and accounting and keeps the rest of the Executive Committee updated

The Secretariat manages all the practicalities to realise the adopted budget under the supervision of the Secretary-General

The Financial Control and Advisory Committee (FCAC) monitors and reviews the financial reports and plans once per year before they are presented at the General Assembly. The FCAC also monitors the financial management processes and practices. It submits a report to the General Assembly

A certified auditor provides an external audit in line with legal requirements.

7.1. Travel Reimbursements

The reimbursement rules, procedures and deadlines are shared with the participants of each events. Each event and activity has its own rules, procedures and deadlines in line with the rules and procedures of the funders of the activity.

As a general principle a person can ask for reimbursement of the travel cost if:

the participant attended at least 75% of the meeting

all relevant receipts and proof of travel have been handed in within the deadline communicated for each activity

Exceptions to these rules regarding participants can only be made in consultation with the Treasurer.

7.1.1. Reimbursement practicalities

Train and other public transport travel costs are reimbursed on the basis of a 2nd class ticket or a 1st class if that option is cheaper.

For night trips over 500 km the couchette fee (2nd class) can be covered

Bike trips over 10 km are reimbursed by 1 EUR / km with a maximum of the price of a second class train ticket and with an absolute maximum of 100 EUR

For trips where the travel by train or bus takes more than 12 hours, a plane ticket will be reimbursed on the basis of an economy class ticket. A plane ticket can also be reimbursed if the destination was over 750 km or train-traveling is not possible because of pressing time-table reasons.

Taxi costs will be reimbursed if local transport is not available and if requested in advance from the organisers.

The necessity of using a private car must be justified in writing and approved in advance. Travel by car may be reimbursed by 0.2 EUR/km. Depending on the activity, specific reimbursement rules may apply.

Car sharing should be approved in advance and should be cheaper than public transportation. The costs have to be documented.

FYEG uses the official conversion rates of the European Commission for currencies other than Euro: ec.europa.eu/budget/contracts_grants/info_contracts/inforeuro/inforeuro_en.cfm based on the date of expense if no other donor guidelines apply. Exceptions are payments with credit cards when the documented conversion rates of the credit card company apply based on credit card payments statements.

7.2. Participation fees

A participation fee to any activity can be demanded and fixed by the Executive Committee, in line with the delegation order.

7.3. Expenses covered

7.3.1. Food and food supplies

The members of the Executive Committee can be reimbursed for food expenses up to maximum 30€ per person for meetings covering an entire day and up to 15€ per person for half-day meetings with at least 4 hours of work.

Food reimbursement for other volunteers are fixed by the participating conditions for each event and meeting.

FYEG can only cover costs for vegetarian and vegan food. At every event, vegan food should be offered and its consumption encouraged.

7.3.2. Child care

If requested and possible child care will be provided for the Secretary-General, FYEG Office, Executive Committee members, speakers and Prep Team members in order to allow full presence at an event. The child care support can take the form of: covering the travel and accommodation costs for an extra person to provide child care on the spot during the event, covering the fee for a child care professional during the event etc. All the costs should be approved by the Treasurer.

7.4. Executive Committee Members allowance

The members of FYEG Executive Committee are entitled to a monthly allowance up to a maximum of 100 EUR per month. The FYEG EC members are free to claim the allowance depending on their need.

The allowance is meant to cover preparation and participation in the following meetings:

FYEG activities, including regular EC meetings;

EGP Committee Meetings and Councils;

Study Visits to Member Organisations approved by the EC;

Other events or meetings approved by the EC.

In addition to the monthly allowance, Executive Committee members are entitled to reimbursement for their costs for travel, accommodation, food and child care costs when travelling, in accordance with the FYEG reimbursement rules. Reimbursement for expenses while travelling can only cover expenses for up to the limit of 1 day before and 1 day after the event/meeting.

The EC member in question makes sure the allowance is declared in line with the fiscal rules of their country of fiscal residence. FYEG declines responsibility for any tax liability.

Annex 1: Organisation of the General Assembly

Application Requirements & Procedures for Candidates

Applicant Organisations

Organisations that are applying to become an Associate, Candidate or Full Member of the Federation of Young European Greens should send their application to the Executive Committee before the deadlines set in the Internal Rules and Procedures.

Their application shall contain:

• a letter signed by their board stating the reason and motivation for their application

• a copy of the original statutes and a translated version in English

• a copy of their political platform (or comparable document) and a translated version in English

• a filled-in questionnaire provided to them by the Executive Committee that includes questions on the number of its members, age limit, list of activities, budget and all other possibly relevant information.

Executive Committee candidates

Candidates for the Executive Committee shall provide in their application form:

• Filled-in application form that will be made available online

• A motivation letter,

• An Outline of their plans are for the organisation or their vision for FYEG

• Detailed CV

• Candidates must be proposed by their member organisation and seconded by another FYEG member organisation.

• One nomination letter from the Member Organisation they belong to. If that is not possible the Member Organisation, of which the candidate is from, must provide an explanation for the rejection of nomination and the possible candidate has the right to provide a letter of justification. The letter will be shared with the delegates of the General Assembly. The General Assembly will decide, through a vote by two-third majority, whether this person is admitted as a candidate or not.

Multiple positions holding

FYEG strives to have non-cumulation of positions.

Executive Committee members have to be able to combine their commitments to FYEG with whatever other tasks they may have. Candidates to the Executive Committee have to lay open what other mandates and functions they have.

Secretary General candidates:

Secretary General candidates’ application must include:

• a CV

• a comprehensive motivation letter, explaining how experiences match the profile, what the candidate thinks they can contribute to FYEG. It should also establish a vision of a European political youth organisation’s role. Special emphasis is given to experiences within FYEG and other Young Green Organisations.

• the contact details of two references, preferably employers, supervisors or tutors

Further requirements and procedure:

• A committee for a pre-selection of the candidates will be set up. The committee will consist of 4 people: a current FYEG EC member, a former FYEG Secretary General or office coordinator, one full MO representative and a 4th member (NGO professional worker).

• Only applications including all required documents and sent before the given deadline will be examined taking into consideration both political and professional skills of the candidates. These candidates will be given a written assignment and interview if this is possible.

• The committee will assess the candidates’ experience and skills.

• Candidates will be given a month to campaign and are expected to present themselves at the GA. The final decision on the Sec-Gen of FYEG lies with the final vote of the GA of the organisation.

• In case a candidate is not recommended by the committee, they will still be able to apply for the position and present themselves at the GA, but the candidacy will not be endorsed by the EC.

• In case the Secretary-General wants to renew their mandate and if by the closing of the deadline for the applications for the Secretary-General there are no other applications received, there is no need for the Selection Committee.

FYEG’s Representative to the EGP Committee Candidates:

Candidates to FYEG’s Representative to the EGP Committee must provide:

• A motivation letter,

• An outline of their plans are for the organisation or their vision for EGP, specifically as FYEG nominee

• Detailed CV, highlighting their experiences in FYEG and FYEG Member Organisations

• A nomination letter from the Member Organisation they belong(ed) to. If that is not possible the Member Organisation, of which the candidate is from, must provide an explanation for the rejection of nomination and the possible candidate has the right to provide a letter of justification.

Further requirements and procedure:

• A committee for a pre-selection of the candidates will be set up. The committee will consist of 4 people: one current/former FYEG EC member, a current/former FYEG Co-Spokesperson, a current/former FYEG Secretary General, and one full Member Organisation representative).

• Only applications including all required documents and sent before the given deadline will be examined taking into consideration both political and professional skills of the candidates. These candidates will be given an interview if this is possible.

• The committee will assess the candidates’ experience and skills.

• Candidates are expected to present themselves at the General Assembly. The final decision on the nominee of FYEG to the EGP Committee is made by the General Assembly.

• In case a candidate is not recommended by the committee, they will still be able to apply for the position and present themselves at the General Assembly, but the candidacy will not be endorsed by the EC.

Financial Control and Advisory Committee:

Candidates for the Financial Control and Advisory Committee shall provide:

• A motivation letter, highlighting their experience in financial management

• Detailed CV

Ecosprinter Editorial Board:

Candidates for the Financial Control and Advisory Committee shall provide:

• A motivation letter

• Detailed CV

Meeting rules to the General Assembly

These meeting rules regulate the formal sessions of the General Assembly. The goal of these meeting rules is to make sure that all participants have an as similar understanding of the formalities of the General Assembly as possible.

Presidency

The General Assembly is presided over by the Presidency. The Presidency consists of four to six people, who must not be candidates to any positions at the General Assembly. In line with the Internal Rules and Procedures, the Presidency is selected by the Executive Committee by an open-call. The General Assembly confirms the Presidency proposed by the Executive Committee before any other decisions are made.

The Presidency should elect a chair among themselves. The Chair is the main point of contact for the Executive Committee and the Office during and after the General Assembly.

The chair is responsible for making sure that the rest of the Presidency delivers their tasks assigned to them and that all the documents related to the General Assembly (adopted resolutions, minutes, votes and voting cards, and other adopted documents) are finalised handed over the Office and the Executive Committee in the following month after the General Assembly.

The Presidency:

• chairs the meetings and discussions at the General Assembly

• prepares the resolutions, amendments and voting procedures for the General Assembly

• is responsible for taking the minutes of the General Assembly

• decides who speaks, who takes part in discussion and who can also be suspended from discussions.

• Can call emergency sessions to the agenda. However this change would need confirmation by a simple two-thirds majority of the full members.

Agenda:

The agenda of the General Assembly is adopted with a simple majority on the first day of the General Assembly.

In line with the Statutes, if the member organisations want to add a point to the General Assembly agenda, they should communicate it to the Executive Committee at least 10 days in advance and their proposal must be signed by one-twentieth of the full members.

The agenda can only be changed with a simple two-thirds majority of the full members. Proposed changes to the agenda have to be presented in written form to the presidency.

Documents that are noted, amended, approved, disapproved at the General Assembly:

The power and the role of the General Assembly is detailed in the Internal Rules and Procedures.

The Executive Committee, the Secretary General, the Ecosprinter Editorial Board, the Financial Control and Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee presents their reports for the previous years. These reports are heard by the GA, not voted.

The Treasurer presents the annual accounts and financial report of the previous financial year and the budget and the financial plan of the upcoming year. These documents can be amended and voted.

The Executive Committee presents the Activity Plan and the Strategy Plan (if applicable) for the upcoming year(s). These documents can be amended and voted.

The deadlines for presenting and amending these documents are detailed in the Internal Rules and Procedures.

The Presidency is responsible for organising Compromise Amendment Sessions (CAS) to try and find compromises on amendments, so that documents have a higher chance of being adopted.

Compromise Amendment Sessions (CAS):

The Compromise Amendment Sessions are called CAS in short. Everyone who has speaking rights at the General Assembly can attend the compromise amendment session, and it’s advised that all member organisations with voting rights do so.

Compromises are made between the member organisations or the body that proposed the original document and the member organisations or the body that proposed the amendment subject to compromise. It is advised to include other interested Member Organisations in this compromise process so as to further broaden consensus.

Amendments to existing documents (Statutes, Internal Rules and Procedures, Political Platform) are only subjected to compromise if the compromise is in the scope of an already submitted amendments. The Presidency may declare a compromise amendment ineligible if its scope is different from the original amendment.

During the Compromise Amendment Session, the proposer of the resolution presents their resolution. The proposer of the amendment presents their amendment. At this point other parties can declare their positions towards the amendment. The proposer of the resolution can adapt the amendments or seek a compromise. If a compromise is reached, it is shared with the delegates of the General Assembly. Unless a Full Member Organisation or the Executive Committee disputes the compromise, it is considered adopted. If the compromise is disputed, the compromise will be sought until the last day of the General Assembly.

It is encouraged that the CAS sessions are organised in advance of the General Assembly, following the deadline for amendments which is one week before the General Assembly. The CAS session can happen online.

In the voting, firstly the compromised amendments on the document as whole are voted. Afterwards, the document itself is voted on.

Resolutions

• Each resolution should have an international and/or European angle

• Each resolution should be supported by at least one Member Organisation

• A resolution should always have a call to action

• A resolution should preferably be around 5,000 characters but definitely not more than 10,000

The Executive Committee can recommend review of certain resolutions to the Presidency.
The Presidency can suggest/demand the proposers of the resolution to withdraw their resolution or to postpone the resolution to the further General Assemblies.

Speaking rights and debates:

Speaking rights are open to all members of FYEG bodies, and all registered participants of the General Assembly.

The presidency ultimately decides which individuals are given the opportunity to speak.

The speaking time for debates is proposed by the presidency at the beginning of every debate based on the content of the debate and the time assigned for the current session in the agenda.

The presidency can change the assigned speaking time based on the time left of the session to better fit the agenda, as they see fit. This might include cutting breaks.

The General Assembly can overrule (with a simple two thirds majority) the presidency’s proposals for speaking time. In such cases the new Agenda proposal must be submitted to the Presidency in a written form.

During sessions where debates will take place, participants will be able to submit ‘speaker cards’ before the session. These cards will note if they are for/against, their Member Organisation and their gender.

In vue of the received speaker cards, the Presidency will define the speaker list. Speakers may still be taken from the floor for balance, but those who submit cards will be prioritised

The presidency will ensure gender balance on the speaking list. This is done through a strict quotation of the list. Only as many men are allowed to speak as non-men are on the list. The only exception is if people are on the list who haven’t participated in the debate up to that point. They will be chosen before persons that have already made plenty of contributions.

The only exceptions to the speakers list are technical points. If someone has a technical point, they must signal the presidency and will be given the floor after the current speaker.

Types of debate:

Open debate: The debate is open to speakers willing to speak for or against the resolution or amendment being discussed, as well as for contributions that are neither opposed nor in favour. This debate is often used during the Compromise Amendment Sessions.

Con-Pro: The debate is organised by an alternation of speakers against and for the resolution or amendment being discussed. This debate is often used during the Voting Session of the amendments that goes to vote and the resolutions.

It should be noted that all the compromises should be reached before the voting session and the point of the con-pro debate is not to reach a compromise but to explain the positions. Therefore the presidency is encouraged to do only one round of con-pro debates, and if more than one rounds occur time is monitored by the presidency to ensure that overall the ‘pro’ and ‘con’ sides are both allocated equivalent speaking time.

Quorum, voting and majorities:

Quorum, voting rules and majorities are defined in the Internal Rules of Procedures.

Voting rules and majorities are defined in the Internal Rules of Procedures

A quorum check will be called before the voting sessions.

Safer Spaces

The General Assembly is a space where everybody feels safe, and has an equal opportunity to be heard. The Presidency is responsible for chairing the General Assembly in line with FYEG’s Safer Spaces regulations. The presidency can ban a participant for misconduct for the remainder of a session.

Annex 2: Working Group Guidelines

These guidelines are to serve the Working Groups and the Working Group coordinators.

Working Group rights and responsibilities:

Working group functions are detailed in the FYEG’s Internal Rules of Procedures. FYEG Working Groups are based on direct democracy and the inclusion of all its members. Most of the Working Group meetings happen online, through the channels of internal communication available to them. Working Group members can have access to usage of the internal communication tools available to FYEG (such as online meeting softwares). As set out in the Internal Rules of Procedures, the EC is responsible for setting up a new Working Group and for ending the term of a Working Group.

Working Groups can (and not only):

• Support FYEG and its bodies in developing policy documents

• Provide feedback to FYEG’s internal policies and documents

• Create campaigns

• Create guidelines, templates, training material, and similar material

All the Working Group activities must be in line with the FYEG Political Platform.

Only FYEG’s Executive Committee (EC) has the mandate to speak on behalf of the organisation and engage in partnerships with other organisations. Therefore, any external communication or partnership request needs their approval.

When the Working Group has a request for content to be shared via FYEG’s official channels, firstly, it should be approved by the member of the Executive Committee responsible for the Working Group (hereinafter EC Responsible).

Moreover, if the Working Group decides to engage in external partnerships, sign letters of external partners (i.e. organisations other than Green Political Organisations), etc. this must also be approved by the EC Responsible for the Working Group.

Finally, if the Working Group needs support from the FYEG Office in matters of communication, administration, finances, etc. the Working Group should communicate a detailed concept, through the Working Group coordinator, to the EC Responsible in a timely manner.

Executive Committee responsibilities:

The EC Responsible is the person appointed among the EC members to be responsible for the Working Group.

They are responsible for:

• Initial setup of the Working Group: defining the aims, scope, timeframe, publishing a call for Working Group members and coordinators

• Choosing the first members of the Working Group and the Working Group coordinators

• Meeting with the coordinators to explain their roles and responsibilities

• Attend meetings where needed/wanted to (optional) - but in general, it is more important to be aware what they are up to

• Keeping track of all their activities and being aware of how the Working Group is progressing and what they are up to

• Providing political advice and making sure the Working Group acts in line with FYEG’s Political Platform

• Updating the Working Group on FYEG activities related to their topics and purposes

The EC responsible has the possibility to exclude someone from the Working Group on the recommendation of the coordinators or at least three members of the group. The EC has to be informed of the decision. The person has the possibility to appeal to the Advisory Committee.

Working Group coordinator responsibilities

A working group should have two coordinators, at least one of them self-identifying as women, intersex, nonbinary, trans or agender.

If it is impossible to find two coordinators even after the EC responsible’s best efforts to do so, an exemption can be made if approved by the FYEG EC. In this case, it is required that either the EC responsible or the Working Group coordinator self-identifies as female, intersex, nonbinary, trans or agender,

Working Group coordinator tasks are as follows:

• Set meetings and agendas for Working Group and notifying members of action points afterwards (online Working Group meetings should strive to be planned at least once every two weeks, excluding holidays and exceptional circumstances)

• Set up the main communication channels

• Main point of contact for EC Responsible

• Keep the EC Responsible up to date on what’s happening in the Working Group

• Keep Working Group members informed and updated on EC’s feedback and recommendations

• Steer direction: set priorities, what themes/projects they work on, oversee the work

• Coordinate the creation of a Working Group activity plan, guided be the objectives and goals set out at the beginning

• Set up subgroups (if necessary or desired)

• They do not need to be involved in every single project or attend every meeting, but in their absence should delegate project or meeting moderation to someone else, and keep themselves updated on progress

Annex 3: Safer Spaces Policy

Safer spaces are evolving and not static. We have high expectations on how we behave towards each other in our meetings, actions and social spaces. Making a space safer means different things depending on the group of people involved as each group has different needs. This policy aims to be considered in every meeting involving FYEG, but the document should evolve as we learn and grow.

As an organisation we build social relationships inside and outside of meetings and actions. We commit to this Safer Spaces policy wherever we are together, this includes ensuring that ALL spaces are inclusive and harmless.

If someone violates these agreements a discussion or mediation process can happen, depending on the wishes of the person who was affected. If a serious violation happens to the extent that someone feels unsafe, they can be asked to leave the space and/or speak with one member of the Awareness Group. If necessary, the Sexual Harassment Protocol will be activated.

1. Respect! Racism, as well as ageism, GSRM-phobia , sexism, ableism or prejudice based on ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, gender presentation, language ability, asylum status or religious affiliation is unacceptable and will be challenged. FYEG has a zero-tolerance policy with any kind of discrimination, even though we acknowledge that there can be different levels in a breach of a safe space.

2. Be aware of your privileges! Including racial, class and gender privilege and/or less obvious or invisible hierarchies. Think about how your words, opinions and feelings are influenced and who they might exclude or harm.

3. Consent! Respect each other’s physical and emotional boundaries, always get explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing boundaries. Don’t assume your physical & emotional boundaries are the same as other people’s.

4. Friendly use of language! Be aware of the language you use in discussion and how you relate to others. Try to speak slowly and clearly and use uncomplicated language especially when non-natives speakers are involved in the conversation.

5. Don’t anticipate yourself! Avoid assuming the opinions and identifications of other participants.

6. Learning; if you don’t understand something, just ask. You may be directed to a book, website or skill share to learn more. It’s ok to make mistakes. Please show appreciation for the hard work of others and be considerate when you offer criticism.

7. Everyone has their turn; give each person the time and space to speak. In large groups, or for groups using facilitation: Raise your hand to speak.

8. Calling out; if you have acted or spoken harmfully, even if unintentionally, expect that someone will bring this up to you. If this happens, listen and reflect on what they are saying even if you think they may be wrong. Don’t try to absolve yourself of responsibility.

This policy should be expanded with specific measures and practices to promote the creation of safer spaces.

Anti sexual harassment protocol

FYEG has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment at all its events, within all its structures and during all activities. This protocol is applicable for those participating in an FYEG activity (General Assembly, Strategic Planning Committee, Working Group Meeting or any other activity), members of a Member Organization (MO), or members of an online structure of FYEG, referred to as “this organization” from now onwards in this protocol.

Anyone who is subject to sexual harassment can approach one of the designated contact points responsible for receiving complaints of sexual harassment. The Executive Committee will designate an Awareness Group for anyone presenting allegations of physical, verbal or online sexual harassment. In accordance with the IRPs, the Awareness Group will be formed by two persons from the EC who are of different genders. Additionally, every Prep - Team will designate one person to be an independent contact person in our projects. However, this person shall always inform the official contact points if a procedure starts, in the case of their absence, the main contact will be the Project Manager.

When one of these procedures is open in the organization, the EC as a whole must be informed of the procedure without details of the people involved or the presented allegations to respect confidentiality. If a case involves someone from the EC, the case will be brought to the Advisory Committee (AC). The Advisory Committee will act as contact points when a case arises, following this protocol. However, the EC will not be informed until a final decision is made.

Important note:

These procedures will follow general principles such as the privacy of the survivor, confidentiality of the process and survivor’s choice and preference. We respect the presumption of innocence of any alleged harasser which is why this procedure is in place and has been approved in the General Assembly. However, as a feminist organization, we also believe in the principle of believing the survivor and putting the burden of the proof on the alleged harasser.

This procedure might be applied to an internal case of a MO if this case is related to FYEG activity or if the people involved take part in any FYEG structure. However, we will not be able to extend sanctions or disciplinary measures beyond FYEG. MOs can however adapt this protocol to their own organization.

When the designated people receive a complaint of sexual harassment, they shall:

1. Immediately record the dates, times and facts of the incident(s);

2. ascertain the views of the survivor as to what outcome they want, ensure the survivor feels safe and ensure the survivor is separated from the alleged offender unless the survivor wishes otherwise;

3. ensure that the survivor and the alleged harasser understands FYEG protocol for dealing with the complaint;

4. discuss and agree the next steps with the alleged survivor, informal, formal or outside complaints procedure (police, hospital, embassy, etc.), on the understanding that choosing to resolve the matter informally does not preclude the survivor from pursuing a formal complaint if they are not satisfied with the outcome;

5. keep a confidential record of all discussions. Records will be destroyed if the alleged survivor requests it, or before the change to a new EC. However, a record of sanctions and a brief description of the reason will be kept in a safe place;

6. respect the choice of the survivor;

7. and ensure that the survivor knows that they can lodge the complaint outside of FYEG through the relevant country/legal framework.

INFORMAL COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If the survivor wishes to deal with the matter informally, the designated person will:

• Approach the alleged harasser saying that the behaviour is offensive, unwelcome and must be stopped;

• Inform the harasser that FYEG has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment and that disregarding this policy may result in the person’s exclusion from the organization

• give an opportunity to the alleged harasser to respond to the complaint;

• ensure that the alleged harasser understands the complaints mechanism;

• facilitate discussion between both parties to achieve an informal resolution which is acceptable to the complainant, provided the alleged survivor agrees,

• ensure that a confidential record is kept of what happened;

• follow up after the outcome of the complaints mechanism to ensure that the behaviour has stopped and that there is no risk of its repetition;

• And ensure that the above is done accurately and at the latest within 10 days of the complaint being made. During events, the procedure shall take place within 48 hours.

FORMAL COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

If the survivor wants to make a formal complaint or if the informal complaint mechanism has not led to a satisfactory outcome for the survivor, the formal complaint mechanism should be used to resolve the matter.

The designated person who initially received the complaint will communicate to the rest of contact points the opening of a formal complaint procedure. The EC will be informed of this, respecting the confidentiality of the alleged survivor and the allegations. The designated person who initially received the complaint will carry out the investigation with the assistance of the Awareness Group and the independent contact person at the moment in which allegations were presented, if any. They will help the investigator with the analysis and decision making process. A procedure for online harassment shall be developed.

The person carrying out the investigation will:

• interview the survivor and the alleged harasser separately

• interview other relevant third parties separately

• decide whether the incident qualifies as sexual harassment within the meaning of this protocol

• produce a report detailing the investigations, findings and any recommendations

• if the harassment took place, decide what the appropriate remedy for the survivor is, in consultation with the survivor (i.e. an apology, a change of structure, suspension..,)

• follow up to ensure that the recommendations are implemented, that the behaviour has stopped and that the survivor is satisfied with the outcome

• if it cannot determine that the harassment took place, they may still make recommendations to ensure proper functioning of the organization

• keep a record of all actions taken

• ensure that all records concerning the matter are kept confidential

• ensure that the process is done as quickly as possible and in any event within 15 days of the complaint being made

The general rule is to avoid the presence of the alleged harasser in those places/structures in which the alleged survivor moves. It is vital that the wishes and needs of the survivors are incorporated into the outcome of the complaints mechanism.

A data protection protocol will be developed.

OUTSIDE COMPLAINT MECHANISM

This protocol seeks to create a fast and appropriate response to allegations of sexual harassment. However, it does not seek to substitute existing regulation and legislation on this issue. We want to make clear that FYEG wants to be fully supportive with every decision of the alleged survivor.

A person who has been subject to sexual harassment can at any time make a complaint outside of the organization. Even though this organization cannot offer legal advice, the contact point(s) will accompany the person to the instance this person prefers (hospital, police, ombudsperson, law courts, embassies, etc.) if they request it.

SANCTIONS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Anyone who has been found to have sexually harassed another person under the terms of this policy may be sanctioned. Sanctions may include but are not limited to one of the following :

• Verbal or written warning

• Suspension from an elected or non-elected FYEG structure, in line with FYEG IRPs when appropriate

• Dismissal/expulsion

Depending on the seriousness of the allegations, the EC, upon request of the Awareness Group may suspend someone from taking part in any FYEG structure or activity during the duration of the process. Confidentiality of the survivor will be maintained.

In case of sexual harassment, violence or discrimination by a member of an elected body within FYEG (Financial Control Committee, Advisory Committee or Ecosprinter Board) the EC can exclude the offender after consulting the full MOs. (cf. 2.2.2). If the case arises within the EC, the Advisory Committee can exclude the offender after consulting the full MOs.

The nature of the sanctions will depend on the gravity and extent of the harassment. Suitable deterrent sanctions will be applied to ensure that incidents of sexual harassment are not treated as trivial. Certain serious cases, including physical violence, will result in the immediate dismissal of the harasser.

Guidelines for persons of contact

Read the protocol and understand every aspect

What is sexual harassment? It is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which:

• Violates your dignity

• Makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated

• Creates a hostile or offensive environment

Sexual harassment “can include, but is not limited to”, these examples:

• Touching, pinching, stroking, squeezing, or brushing against someone

• Leering or ogling

• Making LGBTIAQ+-phobic or GSRM (Gender, Sexual and Romantic Minorities)-phobic comments and sexually suggestive signals, winking

• Sending unwanted e-mails, text messages, posting sexually-explicit jokes or content on FYEG communication channels

• Sexual comments or jokes

• Making insults based on a person’s sex or rating their sexuality

• Turning work discussions to sexual topics

• Physical behaviour, including unwanted sexual advances, touching and various forms of sexual assault

• Displaying pictures, photos or drawings of a sexual nature

Remember: Whether harassing intentionally or unintentionally, we all have a responsibility to monitor our behaviour and respect each other. Anyone who reports an incident has the right to remain anonymous. They also have the right to feel safe and respected.

Listen and Support

It's tough to be prepared when someone tells you that they have been the survivor of sexual harassment. Remember, you can only provide support

Support and understanding are essential. It takes a lot of courage for a survivor to share their experience;

Try to provide a safe/non-judgmental environment, emotional comfort and support for the survivor to express feelings;

Let them know that they can talk with you. Listen. Don’t rush to provide solutions.

Believe

The most common reason people choose not to tell anyone about sexual abuse is the fear that the listener won’t believe them. People rarely lie or exaggerate about abuse; if someone tells you, it’s because they trust you and needs someone to talk to.

People rarely make up stories of abuse. It is not necessary for you to decide if they were “really hurt.” If the survivor says they were hurt, that should be enough

Believe what the person tells you. It may have been difficult for them to talk to you and trust you. Unless proven wrong harassment has happened.

Reassure

Sexual assault is NEVER the survivor’s fault. No one asks to be sexually assaulted by what they wear, say or do. Let the survivor know that only the perpetrator is to blame;

The survivor needs to hear that fears, anxieties, guilt and anger are normal, understandable and acceptable emotions;

Remember, no one ever deserves to be abused or harassed.

Be Patient

Don’t press for details – let the person decide how much to tell you. Ask them how you can help;

Survivors have to struggle with complex decisions and feelings of powerlessness, trying to make decisions for them may only increase that sense of powerlessness;

You can be supportive by helping them to identify all the available options and then help them by supporting their decision making process (here refer to the protocol).

The survivor can’t just “forget it” or just move on. Recovery is a long term process and each individual moves at their own pace

Encourage

Encourage the survivor to seek medical attention, report the assault, and or contact a professional if needed. Remember, the survivor must ultimately make the decision as to what to do. They are the experts in their own lives. Don’t push. Remember, support their choices no matter what they decide.

Respect Privacy - Confidentiality

Don’t tell others what the survivor tells you. Let the individual decide who they will tell. It is important not to share information with others who are not involved;

If you do need to share information for their safety, get permission by letting them know what you will share and with whom it will be shared; ie. the rest of contact points in case of a formal complaint

Establish Safety

An important part of helping the survivor is to identify ways in which the survivor can re-establish their sense of physical and emotional safety. You are a step in the process. Ask them what would make them feel safe and how you can help them accomplish this.

If the stalking or harassment is ongoing, help them to develop a plan of what to do if they are in immediate danger. Having a specific plan and preparing in advance can be important if the harassment escalates.

Things you can say

It is hard to know what to say to a person when they confide in you. Refrain from asking a lot of questions, instead, support them with these phrases. Let the person know that you believe that they have the strength and capacity to heal.

● It’s not your fault

● I’m sorry this happened

● I believe you

● How can I help you?

● I am glad you told me

● I’ll support your choices

● You’re not alone

Use of inclusive language

FYEG aims to use language in its communications and its events that reflects the level of English spoken within an organisation of mostly non-native speakers. FYEG promotes the use of inclusive and accessible language within the organisation. FYEG attempts to reduce the shame of using simple language. We do this to make sure that everyone feels welcome to participate and contribute.

Human and migrant rights are under attack in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Belarus. The illegitimate former president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko is using migrants and asylum seekers from the Middle East as hybrid war weapons against Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Europe as a whole.

The regime in Belarus explicitly attacks the Baltic States due to their support for the democratic opposition. This weaponization of human lives is another disgusting attack against human rights by the illegitimate Belarusian regime, which for years has attacked activists that are against Lukashenko’s dictatorship.
Disturbingly, the response by the Latvian, Polish, and Lithuanian governments is just as inhumane as Lukashenko had planned and expected. The migrants are forced to stay in the border zone for months without shelter. There are many reports of violence against migrants by border guards on both sides. More people have died on the Polish-Belarusian border in less than two years than people trying to cross the border that used to split Germany during the Cold War.

Unfortunately, it is very hard to understand the situation fully, as governments are not letting activists and journalists reach the border zone due to the state of emergency. The Latvian government started an investigation against an NGO called I Want to Help Refugees for providing humanitarian help to the migrants stuck on the border. The Polish government first abused the legal possibilities by introducing a state of emergency on the border and then attacked independent organizations, media, and activists by creating strategic lawsuits against their participation and providing help, as well as using public media to spread their political propaganda about this situation. The Lithuanian border guard started an investigation against an NGO for assisting migrants on the border on assumption that this is a case of people smuggling. These all are clear breaches of democratic principles by these governments.

Right-wing and far-right parties have used this crisis to continue their anti-migrant policy and increase the dehumanization of migrants and refugees.
This is explicitly noticeable during the election period. Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are now building expensive border walls, which are causing huge environmental risks. The fear and increasing dehumanization have moved the focus away from the victims through this shameless power play to the exaggerated idea of safety risks.

Nothing – even the tallest and strongest wall – can stop a person who desperately seeks asylum or a better future. But the cruelty and breaking of all the rights performed by these governments clearly show us the consequences of cynical political play that ignores the importance of human life.

Activists and local societies are doing their best to help families find their loved ones that went missing on the border. They are their only hope. Replacing the government services and risking their own lives, they fight to restore dignity and an elementary sense of humanity and safety to migrants and refugees.

The Federation of Young European Greens calls for an immediate end to the inhumane treatment of migrants and refugees by the Belarusian regime and governments of Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. FYEG stands in solidarity with all those affected by this crisis and will continue to work towards a world where the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their background or status, are respected and protected.

We ask the European Union:

To put pressure on the Baltic states to respect the European Convention on Human Rights;

To stop criminalising solidarity actors and people on the move, and guarantee access to the border zone to solidarity actors to help with humanitarian aid;

To stop countries using state of emergency acts to violate Human Rights.

Defining decoloniality

Decoloniality as a concept, an ideology, a movement, only exists due to the entrenchment of a hegemonic system of domination and oppression, a system of colonialism and imperialism (hereinafter often simply colonialism). Although ‘formal’ structures of state colonialism of the Global South has - debatably - ended in the period of decolonisation of the 20th century, colonial asymmetries and inequalities, and structures and systems of subjugation, oppression, and exploitation continue to be perpetuated, if not exacerbated, through the political, social, and economic hegemony of the Global North in the neoliberal global capitalist system. Thus, the Global North - the ‘core’ - is able to supply its pursuit of constant economic growth through the exploitation of resources and labour of the Global South - the ‘periphery’.

Is it therefore essential to acknowledge that capitalism and colonialism are closely intertwined. The roots of capitalism lie in colonial history and capitalism continues to reproduce such colonial asymmetries. The Global North’s sociopolitical and economic hegemony is only made possible through the continued oppression and exploitation of the Global South. Capitalism thus relies on a system of unequal exchange, as the Global North continues to benefit from these unequal power relations and perverse international division of labour and flow of resources, at the expense of the Global South - which also experiences the worst impacts of the consequent worsening climate crisis.[1]

These colonial asymmetries are not simply between states. Within states exists a sometimes loud but often invisible status quo of White superiority institutionally, systemically, and socially. Colonialism, therefore, as a social definition, is the occupation, exploitation or a guardianship of these structures by specific ideas, values and principles of a more dominant class. Colonisation can take different forms: social, cultural, financial, ethnic, educational, political, etc. It is thus important to take this into account when trying to tackle decoloniality, as through its interweaving in so many facets of life, it can be manifest in very subtle ways. This makes coloniality so complex and difficult to see and recognise, and also what makes it such an essential struggle to wage.

Thus, in order to truly strive for social justice and equality, decoloniality must therefore be central in any effort for progress. Decolonialism is the process of freeing an institution, a sphere of activity, and so on, from the chains of colonialism, and its cultural or social effects.

In so doing, a complementary process of interculturality can be empowered, a process striving towards the building of a radically different society, of an “other” social ordering based on a plurinational state. A constant process of dialogue and interrelation, of bottom-up structural economic, social, political, and cultural transformations, for the full and permanent participation of racialised and ethnic-minoritised communities.[2]

What is decoloniality’s aim?

The aim would then be first to recognise those beliefs and concepts that shape these structures today without our being aware of them. The key notion would be to understand and identify such mechanisms, to be aware of their existence, and to analyse why they exist and continue to exist today.

The second step would be to implement actions to dismantle these mechanisms.Once we understand what binds institutions to perpetuate such notions of dominance, we must pursue the common objectives of breaking the chains of colonialism.

For example, production of knowledge has often been a tool of domination, oppression, and exploitation due to unequal power relations. Western knowledge, conveyed as ‘universal’ or ‘objective’ truths, imposed a monolithic worldview that gave power and control to the White European. Educational institutions today, from primary to tertiary education, continue to perpetuate this implicit Whiteness of knowledge through the materials and methods of teaching. Thus, decolonising schools and universities through incorporating knowledges of the Global South in content and teachings, platforming Global South scholars, and actively breaking the explicit or implicit chains of colonialism is a powerful and crucial decolonisation tool for the emancipation of racialised and culturally and ethnic-minoritised peoples.[3]

Why do we need decoloniality in ecology?

It is impossible to strive for a socially just ecology without decoloniality. Acknowledging the finiteness of our planetary boundaries, an ideology of capitalist expansion eventually requires expansion to the periphery and the exploitation of resources and labour therein. This unequal exchange of not only resources, but externalities, as mentioned above, results in the Global South impacted the worst by the climate crisis. Even within Western states, indigenous peoples and communities of colour are amongst those that suffer the most from this crisis. The climate crisis is inherently racist, and right at the forefront are racialised and ethnic-minoritised communities.

And yet, indigenous peoples and communities of colour continue to not only be unheard or forgotten, they are often erased from climate movement. We must acknowledge the reality that the history of environmentalism is racist, and that striving for ecological sustainability without first prioritising decolonial justice perpetuates neocolonial asymmetries through imperialist environmentalism. Without the reversal of this unequal exchange and perverse flow of resources, we end up powering the Global North's transition through continued exploitation of the Global South.

Why do we need decoloniality in the Green movement?

In short, there is no climate justice without racial justice.

• We need a critical decolonial framework to broaden our ‘core’ (Eurocentric, Western, White) perspectives towards those of the ‘periphery’, and to broaden our understanding of environmentalism through knowledges and understandings from the Global South.

• We need to truly listen to those most impacted by our histories, by the neo-imperial system of capitalism today, and by the climate crisis - to platform and fight for their voices and interests to be heard in the Green movement.

• We need to accept that we may need to critically analyse and rethink much of what we thought to be true about the world and what it means to be inclusive, and reckon with the roles we have played in perpetuating exclusion, discrimination, or inequality, within FYEG, within the Green movement, and within broader society.

Why do we need decoloniality as we head into EU24?

#BrusselsSoWhite.

• As we head into these elections, we need substantive representation - the incorporation of racial justice and the interests of racialised and ethnic-minoritised peoples within party manifestos, campaigns, and the agenda of European politics.

• At the same time, we need descriptive representation. 4% of Members of the European Parliament are White, and much of the rest of its apparatus. Studies show politicians of minoritised identities are more likely to advocate for the rights of minorities. In any case, people of colour deserve to see themselves reflected in the political structures that represent them.

Therefore, the Racial Justice Task Force demands that FYEG and its Member Organisations:

Politically:

• Increasingly include, platform, listen to, and work more closely with racial justice organisations and activists in Europe and from the Global South. We should actively strive to collaborate with and highlight the work of indigenous activists and young greens of colour at the forefront of this movement, especially those in the Global South;

• Incorporate and emphasise racial justice, inclusion, representation, and a broader decolonial framework of thinking in setting up their campaigns for EU24;

• Actively encourage bold, young greens of colour to run for the European Parliament via their respective mother parties, and to provide sufficient support and mentorship to do so and to be placed in electable positions;

Organisationally:

• Take steps to assess the practices, policies, and cultures of their internal organisation and on how this excludes or fosters an atmosphere of exclusion for people of colour;

• Work more actively to make their organisations more inclusive, for example by working on meaningful diversity and inclusion plans that address the lack of young greens of colour in their respective organisations.

We demand that FYEG:

• Ensures diverse representation of young greens of colour in the Young Candidates Platform, to the extent possible.

• Especially considers the disparities and barriers to accessibility faced by young greens of colour in politics, and, where necessary and possible, to ensure the Young Candidates Platform considers these intersectionalities in the support and trainings it provides young candidates of colour.

We urge that:

• This be the first of one of many future steps to expand FYEG’s work on decoloniality, interculturality, racial justice, representation, and inclusion as we work towards making FYEG a Federation that is truly antiracist, racially just, and inclusive.

• Future steps actively expand on decoloniality, interculturality and racial justice in specific areas of policy, where possible.

• All components of FYEG aim to place decoloniality, interculturality, and racial justice at the very heart of our collective movement.

Last words

Decoloniality and interculturality is more than social justice. It is a constant process in envisioning a different world - anti-colonialist, anti-capitalist, anti-imperialist, and anti-segregationist, with a different social ordering and relationship between peoples.

We do not want this resolution to use decolonisation as a metaphor, but a starting point for radical change. “Decolonisation is not an ‘and’. It is an elsewhere.”[4] As a progressive organisation, it is about time we work to create this ‘elsewhere.’

References

[1] Silva, G. T. (2022). An overview of strategies for social-ecological transformation in the field of trade and decolonialisation. In Barlow, N., Regen, L., Cadiou, N., Chertkovskaya, E., Hollweg, M., Plank, C., Schulken, M., & Wolf, V. (Eds.), Degrowth & Strategy: How to Bring about Social-Ecological Transformation (pp. 375-382). Mayfly Books.

[2] Mignolo, W. D. & Walsh, C. E. (2018). Interculturality and Decoloniality. In On Decoloniality: Concepts, Analytics, Praxis (pp. 57-80). Duke University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv11g9616.7.

[3] Akena, F. A. (2012). Critical Analysis of the Production of Western Knowledge and Its Implications for Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization. Journal of Black Studies, 43(6), 599-619. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021934712440448.

[4] Tuck, E. & Yang, K. W. (2012). Decolonization is not a metaphor. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 1(1), 1-40. https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/des/article/view/18630.

The horrific Russian war of aggression that began on March 9, 2014, turned full-scale on 24 February 2022. The Russian army once again invaded Ukraine, violating sovereignty, international law, and human rights, committing acts of terrorism and genocide.

This is not only a war against Ukraine, it is an attack on all of us and our common European values. Russia challenges not only the independence of Ukraine, but also the system of security, peace, rule of law, and democracy in Europe. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has stepped up its intimidation and threats against democratic states around the world, especially neighbouring countries, as well as intensified its disinformation campaigns, interference in the political processes of independent states, and imposing approval of its aggressive policy, by weaponising food, energy, and migrants. Moreover, Russia is constantly building up its military potential and forging military cooperation with authoritarian states such as Iran, Belarus, China, and North Korea.

We continue to condemn in the strongest terms Russia's war and the Belarusian government’s involvement in it, the human rights violations and war crimes committed, acts of genocide and terrorism against Ukraine’s population, including targeted attacks on civilian infrastructure and houses, forced deportations and massacres in the occupied territories.

Over the last year, there has been a growing amount of evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia during the war in Ukraine.

Russian troops, using terrorist methods, deliberately attacked residential areas and civilian infrastructure. As a result, thousands of civilians were killed and injured, and the country's energy infrastructure was severely damaged, leaving tens of millions of Ukrainians without basic needs such as electricity, water, and heat.

Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories has brought suffering and turmoil upon millions of people. Russia’s policy of forcible Russification is aimed at erasing the Ukrainian identity of local residents. Thousands of civilians under Russian occupation have already been killed, and many others have been subjected to repression and torture, infiltration, kidnapping, persecution, sexual violence, or forced deportation. Russia practices illegal deportation of children to Russian territory and temporarily occupied Crimea, and forced adoption into Russian families, placement in boarding schools, and re-education camps.

The Russian invaders deliberately resort to sexual violence against women, men, and even children, which they use as a weapon of war, causing severe physical and psychological trauma to the victims.

The Young European Greens stand strongly with Ukraine in its fight for the freedom, democracy, territorial independence, and human rights of the Ukrainian people.

We highly appreciate the support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people provided by the international community. However, as long as Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine continues, there is still a need for consolidation of international efforts to put pressure on Russia to end attacks on Ukrainian territory and withdraw the invading troops, as well as to support Ukraine in protecting its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

We call on the international community to:

• Accelerate the pace and volume of military aid to Ukraine to counter the Russian war of aggression. We believe that Ukraine has an inalienable right to self-defense against an aggressor, and successful Ukrainian military operations to de-occupy its own territories are steps towards establishing real peace in the country.

• Resolutely condemn any form of military aid to Russia and Russian war criminals, as well as contribute to the creation of conditions that will make it impossible to transport equipment or technologies that may have a military purpose from European countries to Russia and Belarus. Military aid to Russia only contributes to the continuation and escalation of the war, increasing the number of victims and suffering among the civilian population.

• Continue introducing sanctions against Russia and Belarus with the aim of reducing their military, political, and economic potential for waging the war, as well as increasing pressure on the citizens of the aggressor countries to form a broad demand for an end to the war and the withdrawal of the invading troops from the territory of Ukraine.

• Applying effective sanctions against countries that support Russia in its aggression and invasion of Ukraine, especially by providing armed support, as well as holding them accountable for complicity in the war.

• Impose sanctions on all third countries and companies that help Russia and Belarus to circumvent embargoes and sanctions.

• Further strengthen the international isolation of the Russian Federation, including depriving the state of membership in international organisations such as the United Nations Security Council.

• Facilitate the creation of an international special tribunal to investigate Russian war crimes in Ukraine and bring Russian and Belarusian political and military leadership and other war criminals to justice.

• Increase support and aid for Ukraine, directly and through participation in humanitarian funding appeals initiated by multilateral organisations.

• Provide support and protection to ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples who have been affected by Russian imperialism and aggression, such as Crimean Tatars.

• Continue supporting Ukrainian war refugees, assisting their integration into the society of the host country, employment, and education.

• Avoid any steps that can be interpreted as equating the victim and the aggressor.

We, the Young European Greens, firmly maintain that a sustainable and fair peace in Ukraine can only be achieved on Ukraine’s terms, and not dictated by the aggressor state. We staunchly advocate for the uncompromising preservation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, as well as the restoration of Ukraine's borders as defined in the Budapest Memorandum.

We also stand against the violation of human rights and international law and call for the prosecution of the aggressor country and all those supporting the Russian war, acts of terrorism, and genocide in Ukraine.

FYEG opposes monopolies and oligopolies. Unfortunately, at the moment large sectors of the digital sphere are dominated by very few companies which are constantly trying to circumvent regulations, relentlessly aiming to increase their power and ignore user rights. Though there are save and secure free and open source alternatives available for almost every software tool and service the big tech companies offer at the moment. FYEG does not only support and act politically to dismantling tech giants and demonopolising digital offerings and the digital sphere, but also strives for the internal use of open source software and services, and the highest standards in digital security and privacy.

Open-Source commitment

As a principle FYEG:

• will adopt open source tools (as defined by the Free Software Foundation) for developing its work.

• will run free software on its own computers, especially those to be used in public.

• will use open formats for all public communications, publications and materials transmitted.

• will avoid the use of non-open-source, non-free contents in its website and all online tools.

• will ask for open formats to be used in documents officially addressed to FYEG.

The use of non-free software may be justified when no similar free software is available and when the objective cannot be reached by combining open source tools.

Security

At least one FYEG official e-mail address will count with a GPG signature. All official e-mail communications from FYEG shall be digitally signed. The public key will be made available to the public.

Privacy and individual rights

In order to protect the privacy of individuals participating in any FYEG activities:

• no pictures shall be posted on public sites or social networks without the explicit consent of the individuals who can be identified in them.

• mailing lists archives and MO listings shall be kept accessible only by its members.

The Executive Committee adopts a privacy policy that shall be accessible on its website, in line with legal requirements and adapts said document timely in case requirements and/or circumstances change and/or evolve.

In July 2021, the Tunisian president Kais Saied triggered Article 80 of the Tunisian constitution¹, a coup de force that led to the dismantling of the institutions resulting from the post-2011 transition of the Tunisian people's uprising against the regime of the former dictator of Tunisia, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, also known as the Jasmine Revolution.

The actions undertaken by the Saied regime, such as freezing and then dissolving the Parliament, full powers by decree, ratification of a new constitution in 2022 with an extremely low participation rate and the legislative elections in December/January 2023 with an even lower participation rate, racist outbursts against Black Africans, persecution of political opponents and NGOs, draws up a record that leaves no room for doubt about the undeniable authoritarian and populist turn taken by the Saied regime in Tunisia.

Tunisia's new constitution, which entered into force in August 2022, removes many checks and balances from the 2014 constitution and firmly centralises power in the hands of the President, for example he now has the power to unilaterally appoint the Prime Minister and can no longer be impeached for serious violations of the constitution. As described by Amnesty International, “the adoption of the new constitution comes after a year marked by a regression on human rights protections in Tunisia”², leading to the weakening of human rights safeguards and the rule of law. In addition to the constitutional changes, the judicial system, until now independent from presidential power, is being further attacked and dismantled in order to ensure that the presidential control is maintained. In particular, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, which has been completely under the control of the presidential power since its reform³, as well as the use of the military justice system⁴, and the total impunity granted to the security forces and the Ministry of the Interior. All this in a context of dramatic socio-economic crisis and risk of default.

It is important to put in context the deterioration of the rule of law and individual freedoms in Tunisia with the state of its economic situation. The fragility of the Tunisian economy has been strongly impacted and weakened by the two consecutive external shocks, the pandemic of COVID-19 and the outbreak of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Widespread shortages of food and their rationing, shortages of medicines but also of fuel have been commonplace in recent months.

The Tunisian state is struggling to pay for its imports and is in the midst of negotiations with the IMF and the World Bank to receive $1.9 billion in financial support, while the political situation is moving towards a dictatorship that is repressing political opponents and minorities. The European Union, through the fascist Italy of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani (former President of the European Parliament), is more concerned about the arrival of migrants in Europe via the Tunisian coast than anything else.

With Turkey, Morocco and Libya, Tunisia is one of the European Union partners supporting the externalisation of its borders in a “Fortress Europe” that is increasingly conciliatory with the anti-migration policies of the far-right. The number of victims and missing persons on the Tunisian coast from January to October 2022 is 544,241⁵. For many organisations, these shipwrecks are "consciously provoked" off the coast of Tunisia: While the European Union is steadily increasing its financial support to the Tunisian government in protecting and developing its coastline to avoid tragedies related to Mediterranean crossings, there is mounting evidence of the involvement of the Tunisian coast guard in dangerous manoeuvres that have cost the lives of many migrants. For the last decade, Italy has allocated 47 million euros to Tunisia to control their borders and migratory "flows", in parallel with a readmission agreement that allows Italy to expel Tunisian nationals at a rate of up to 4 charters per week. The EU has released 30 million euros from the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa to implement an "integrated surveillance" system for maritime borders⁶.

It is important to denounce the reinforcement of hate speech by the Tunisian president himself towards Black African migrants/refugees and asylum seekers in the country which has intensified xenophobic and racist sentiment and acts of violence against these populations on the basis of conspiracy theories⁷. These words and acts of violence are also reused and integrated into the racist, xenophobic, anti-migrant and conspiracy theories of far-right movements and political parties in Europe... While far-right ideas are already at the heart of our institutions and gaining more and more power in our societies, this support from both sides of the Mediterranean is dangerous and threatens the safety of migrants and asylum seekers.

With this resolution FYEG:

• Condemns the violence, racism and systemic discrimination in Tunisia against the Black African populations present in the country.

• Supports the Tunisian civil society being targeted and controlled by a regime which is becoming more authoritarian, using the Ministries of Interior and of Justice (now fully subordinated to the President) as well as military institutions to shrink the democratic and human rights spaces in the country.

• Strongly denounces and is concerned about the resurgence of conspiracy and racist theories within European societies and the progression of fascist and far-right ideas and theories in the European Institutions.

• Calls on the European Union and its representatives to firmly and officially sanction the Tunisian president and his government for undermining the democratic values and processes established after the 2011 Revolution.

• Calls the European Union to immediately stop the externalisation of the EU border with Tunisia via the funding through European funds of the Saied regime to stop migration corridors.

• Reiterates the importance of the statements made in the resolution No Discrimination on Migration to develop an European humanitarian framework focusing on saving and welcoming refugees through safe corridors.

References:

1. Reuters - 26/07/2021. Tunisian lawyers, politicians split on constitutional crisis. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/tunisian-lawyers-politicians-split-constitutional-crisis-2021-07-26/

2. Amnesty International - 19/08/2022. Tunisia: Adoption of new constitution must not institutionalise erosion of human rights. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde30/5925/2022/en/

3. Inkyfada - 13/12/2022 - A jeopardised judiciary, trapped between the police and the executive https://inkyfada.com/en/2022/12/13/justice-police-executive/

4. Amnesty International - 02/02/2023. Tunisia: Convictions of six civilians by military courts must be quashed

   https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/02/tunisia-convictions-of-six-civilians-by-military-courts-must-be-quashed/

5. FTDES - Forum Tunisien pour les Droits Économiques et Sociaux Statistiques migration 2022. https://ftdes.net/statistiques-migration-2022/

6. Statewatch website: https://www.statewatch.org/media/3241/eu-council-pact-tunisia-action-plan-11392-21-rev2.pdf

7. 27/02/2023 - ACHPR: Press release on the Tunisian President's Statement on the situation of sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia

   https://achpr.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2023-02-27/press-release-tunisian-presidents-statement-situation-sub-saha

To keep global warming below 1.5°C, strong action by national governments is needed urgently. One way these governments can contribute to climate solutions is by investing structurally in a just transition. Scientists at Sapienship calculated that the 1.5°C target could be achieved with only 2% of global GDP invested in climate solutions. The Global North bears a historic responsibility in the climate crisis. As long as GDP is the main indicator for the financial situation of a country, European governments should incorporate 2% of their GDP towards a just transition in their (annual) budgeting.

Translating the 1.5°C goal agreed on in the international Paris Agreement into a national commitment of 2% of GDP towards climate solutions, makes the fight for 1.5°C more tangible. This clear and reasonable demand allows young green activists to effectively put pressure on the budgeting of their governments, and keeping them accountable in the execution of their financial plans.

The focus of these investments should be in line with the focus points and priorities stated in the FYEG Political Platform for a just transition towards climate neutrality. Technical fixes thus cannot be the center of these investments. National governments should think how they could invest public money towards climate solutions in the most cost-effective way, aligned with their national policy matters. Climate solutions oftentimes are interlinked and feed into each other. For thematic practical implementation, we again refer to our views in the FYEG Political Platform. Since more than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU stem from the energy sector and as example case, the investments of public money towards a just energy transition will be displayed in the following:

The most effective way to save energy is by not using it. Energy efficiency should be the number 1 priority for public spending by national governments. Investments should go towards the insulation of all homes and buildings by 2030. For a society that runs on 100% renewables, as it should by 2050, the energy grid needs to be electrified. Public money should thus flow towards the electrification of the energy grid and energy infrastructure.

Energy should be generated from renewable sources. Investments in wind and solar energy would be part of the 2% GDP towards climate solutions package. Although nuclear energy emits less carbon emissions, they cannot be included in this budget, as they have other environmental implications (like the extraction of uranium, security risks and the production of nuclear waste). Investment in fossil fuels does not belong within this budgeting package, as it’s an energy source from the past and needs to be phased out of the energy mix completely as soon as possible. As the production of hydrogen is energy-intensive, it can only be considered a sustainable and green source of energy if produced in a 100% renewable way and used when no more energy efficient options are available. Investments in research & development on hydrogen are eligible, yet should not be the core objective of the 2% of GDP towards climate solutions. In this investment package, the focus stays on the funding of an urgent just transition, rather than the development of technical fixes. Also ‘green hydrogen’ imported from the Global South can not be considered an investment in a sustainable energy transition, as the transportation of hydrogen is an energy-intensive process in itself and threatens the energy security of communities in the exporting countries.

These investments will not only save us from climate catastrophe, but will also generate economic & societal gain. This resolution focuses on ‘national governments’, but 2% of of budgeting towards climate solutions should be the goal of every government & could also be a goal for budgets of non-state actors (organisations, universities, schools, …) all from their own focus & competence. From the economic and financial gain that will emerge from these investments, European governments have more budgetary room to pay up for ‘loss & damage’, to countries in the Global South. ‘Loss & damage’ is not part of this financial plan, but should get its own program in government spending.

A brief description of the dynamic

A capitalist system needs sacrifices to be successful.

Around Europe, in many industrial cities human lives are daily sacrificed for the "greater wellbeing". In the name of economic success, the European Union and its members close their eyes and allow to die thousands of people. To add insults to injury, these deaths are ignored by the media, as institutions do everything possible to make these catastrophes invisible.

The damage has three main axes: environmental, economic and social.

These industries are first of all environmental hazards. Do not follow the safety rules, releasing toxic products that pollute the air, the ground and the water. This pollution impacts not only nature but also, of course, human health. The working-class is the first impacted, but everyone within a range of a hundred kilometers is affected and risk to have health issues, notably cancer.

This environmental impact affects also the economic system of the area around these factories: the polluted area is unable to be properly cultivated, and the environmental situation makes the region touristically dead. The local economics become therefore intrinsically linked to the factory which caused this situation, creating a loop.

The last axis, the social axis, is defined by how this economic and environmental hazard creates a local social struggle, where lower, middle and upper classes continue dying for EU's and national economic development, and the enemy is the employer and the institutions who let it be because intervene would cost more than human lives.

A clarification is needed: talking about "sacrificed industrial cities" we are not talking about big polluted cities constantly attacked for their pollution, but about normal cities with a higher cancer and pollution rate that are normally ignored and tend to not appear in statistics.

A concrete example - #IlvaIsAKiller

To make these dynamics tangible, the city of Taranto, often called "Italian Chernobyl", will be used as a model.

Taranto has been home for a steel mill since the 60s, Ilva, and during the last 40 years this city has been affected by this mill that has escaped EU environmental regulations duties, polluting all the area around for kilometres and creating health issues other than an economic and environmental catastrophe.

Taranto has been subject of many environmental and health studies, by academics, governmental institutions and international organisations (including WHO), and more than once it has been demonstrated how the steel production affects the lives of everybody in the area, creating an immesurable damage. Nonetheless, still today its residents fight against the inaction of the Italian government and the European Union, as it has been said through words and sometimes through actions that Ilva brings too much to the Italian and European economy.

To this day, it has been proved that:

• Ilva causes at least 50 deaths per year, and influences more than 1000 indirect deaths per years;

• Ilva does not respect EU regulations on environmental security;

• Ilva is a danger for its workers, with many accidents through the years;

• Because of Ilva's pollution, Taranto's province has an abnormal higher rate of cancer and other health issues;

• The presence of Ilva highly influenced the touristical influx;

• The concentration of steel particles in the air is higher than allowed by the law, at the point that "curfews" are organised during some days for students and workers.

Conclusion

This dynamic is present with some variations in different parts of Europe, and as this dynamic is hidden from mass media, it's safe to say that these are not isolated cases and that indeed it's more common than it appears.

With this resolution we request:

• -That the Federation of Young European Greens acknowledges the existence of these "invisible" industrial cities, standing in solidarity with the hundreds of victims affected by this situation every year and the thousands who died;

• -That the Federation of Young European Greens aknowledges these cities and their activists as one of the best examples of green activism, where climate justice and social justice interconnect perfectly;

• That the member organisations of FYEG make an effort to acknowledge industrial cities in their own countries that follow the aforementioned criterias, having as goal to make them visible and push institutional measures to change the social and environmental context of these cities;

• Where these industries are totally necessary to the existence of the local economy (and not for that for the national or European economy) because of the dependence created by the aforementioned reasons, an ecological reconversion must be privileged and pushed with immediate urgency.