§ 1 Name, Registered Office and Scope of Activities
(1) The association shall bear the name “European Federation of Emergency Medical Technicians Associations | Europäische Vereinigung der Fach- und Berufsverbände für Sanitäter”, with the abbreviated name “EUFEA”.
(2) The registered office of the association is in Linz, Austria.
(3) The association operates internationally, with a particular focus on cooperation with national and international professional and trade associations of emergency medical technicians and with representatives and organisations of emergency medical services personnel in the Member States of the European Union and other European countries.
(4) The association’s financial year shall correspond to the calendar year.
§ 2 Purpose of the Association
The association, whose activities are not directed towards profit, pursues the following purposes:
(1) Professionalisation and Quality Standards: Promoting uniform standards for the education, continuing education and certification of emergency medical technicians and emergency medical services personnel, as well as the further development of structural quality standards in emergency medical services throughout Europe, with the aim of ensuring reliable, evidence-based, high-quality, respectful and patient-centred care across the board.
(2) European Cooperation: Establishing and maintaining a platform for networking and exchange between national and international professional associations, organisations and experts in the fields of emergency medicine, paramedicine and emergency medical services, with the aim of ensuring continuous professional and strategic knowledge exchange at European level.
(3) Professional and Interest Representation: Representing the professional, legal and operational interests of emergency medical technicians and emergency medical services personnel at European level vis-à-vis the institutions of the European Union, national governments, international organisations and public authorities.
(4) Strengthening the Profession: Improving working conditions, promoting gender parity and professional resilience, and improving public awareness and recognition of emergency medical services personnel.
(5) Research and Monitoring: Conducting and supporting comparative studies, surveys and quality indicators for the evidence-based improvement of the quality of care.
(6) Innovation and Further Development: Promoting innovation, digitalisation and new models of care in emergency medical services, as well as supporting knowledge and technology transfer between practice, research and education, with the aim of continuously advancing emergency medical services.
§ 3 Means of Achieving the Purpose of the Association
(1) The purpose of the association shall be achieved through the following non-material activities and the financial means set out below.
(2) Non-Material Means (Activities)
In order to achieve the purposes of the association, the following activities shall in particular be undertaken:
1. Advocacy and Lobbying
Preparation of statements on directives, regulations and political initiatives at European and national level, participation in steering and advisory bodies, and cooperation with international organisations.
2. Events and Networking
Organisation and implementation of European professional conferences, digital networking meetings, assemblies, discussions, lectures, workshops, courses, continuing education programmes and exchange formats to promote professional exchange, networking and further education in the emergency medical services and healthcare sectors.
3. Quality and Professional Standards
Development of recommendations and guidelines on education, continuing education and certification standards, occupational health and safety, working-time regulations, professional resilience and health promotion, as well as profession-related protection rights.
4. Exchange and Mobility Programmes
Establishment, coordination and administration of exchange programmes for emergency medical technicians and emergency medical services personnel, as well as promotion of internships and professional placements abroad.
5. Public Relations and Promotion of the Profession’s Image
Implementation of information and awareness campaigns to increase the visibility and standing of the profession, in particular by portraying diverse professional roles within emergency medical services.
6. Research and Data Collection
Design, implementation and support of studies, comparative surveys and monitoring projects, as well as development of quality indicators relating to working conditions, operational profiles, stress factors and quality of care.
7. Publications and Knowledge Exchange
Publication and dissemination of reports, best-practice collections, country reports, statements and other professional publications; establishment and maintenance of a website and other electronic communication media.
8. Innovation and Technology Transfer
Promotion of innovation and digitalisation in emergency medical services, as well as organisation of formats for knowledge and technology transfer between practice, research, industry and education.
9. European Patient Charter
Development, further development and dissemination of a European Patient Charter for pre-hospital emergency care and emergency medical services.
10. Cooperation
Establishment and maintenance of cooperation with European institutions, national authorities, universities, research institutions, professional societies and suitable partners in the healthcare and emergency medical services sectors.
(3) Material Means (Financing)
The financial resources required by the association shall in particular be raised through:
1. Admission fees and membership fees.
2. Subsidies, funding and grants from public and private bodies.
3. Donations, contributions in kind and monetary contributions, collections, bequests and other contributions.
4. Income from the administration of assets (e.g. interest, other capital income, rental and lease income).
5. Income from association events, projects and publications.
6. Income from expert opinions, assessments, statements and commissioned research carried out within the scope of the association’s purposes.
7. Sponsorship funds and advertising income, as well as income from the sale of goods (e.g. online shop, sales at events) and commissions, within the scope of the association’s purposes.
8. Income from entrepreneurial, remunerated activities in accordance with the Articles of Association pursuant to paragraph 2, insofar as these serve to fulfil the association’s purposes and are not directed towards generating profit, including the granting and use of corresponding licences.
9. Interests in companies, insofar as this serves to fulfil the association’s purposes and is not directed towards generating profit.
§ 4 Types of Membership
(1) The members of the association shall be divided into ordinary members, associate members and honorary members.
(2) Ordinary members are national professional associations, organisations, associations, networks and umbrella organisations of emergency medical technicians and emergency medical services personnel or related professional groups that actively support the objectives of the association and participate in achieving its purposes. They shall exercise their membership rights through natural persons appointed by them to act as their representatives vis-à-vis the association.
(3) Associate members are organisations, institutions, companies or entities (e.g. manufacturers, research institutions, universities, health insurance funds or other partner organisations) that cooperate with the association and support its objectives. They shall be represented vis-à-vis the association by natural persons appointed by them.
(4) Honorary members are persons who have rendered outstanding service to the association, its objectives or the profession of emergency medical technicians and emergency medical services personnel.
(5) Until the association is formally established, the provisional admission of ordinary and associate members shall be carried out by the founders of the association. These memberships shall become effective upon the establishment of the association and shall be deemed to have been duly admitted. Following the appointment of the Executive Board, the admission of ordinary and associate members shall be the sole responsibility of the Executive Board in accordance with §§ 5 and 6.
§ 5 Admission of Ordinary Members
(1) Organisations within the meaning of § 4(2) may apply for admission as ordinary members by submitting a written or electronic application to the Executive Board.
(2) The application shall contain the information concerning the organisation required for assessment, as specified in the application form issued by the Executive Board.
(3) The Executive Board shall review the application within 30 days and may obtain further information or make admission subject to conditions before reaching its decision. Admission may be refused without giving reasons.
(4) The Executive Board shall decide on admission as an ordinary member by simple majority. The decision shall be communicated to the applying organisation in writing, including electronically (e.g. by email).
(5) If the application concerns an organisation from a country in which an ordinary member is already represented, the Executive Board shall hear the ordinary members already represented there before making its decision and shall give them the opportunity to submit comments within 14 days. The Executive Board shall decide by simple majority, taking these comments into account; an objection or negative statement shall not be binding on the Executive Board.
(6) The Executive Board shall report newly admitted ordinary members to the General Assembly. For good cause, the General Assembly may resolve by a two-thirds majority to revoke an admission that has already been granted.
(7) Upon admission, the rights and obligations under these Articles of Association shall arise.
(8) Upon admission, the ordinary member shall appoint at least one natural person as its representative vis-à-vis the association. This person shall exercise the membership rights in the General Assembly and may be nominated and elected to positions on the Executive Board.
§ 6 Admission of Associate Members
(1) Organisations within the meaning of § 4(3) may apply for admission as associate members by submitting a written or electronic application to the Executive Board.
(2) The application shall contain the information concerning the organisation required for assessment, as determined by the Executive Board and communicated to applicants.
(3) The Executive Board shall review the application within 30 days and may obtain further information or make admission subject to conditions before reaching its decision. Admission may be refused without giving reasons.
(4) The Executive Board shall decide on admission by simple majority. The decision shall be communicated to the applying organisation in writing, including electronically (e.g. by email).
(5) Associate members shall have the information and participation rights provided for in these Articles of Association pursuant to § 9(7). They shall have no voting rights in the General Assembly and shall not be eligible for election to the Executive Board.
§ 7 Appointment of Honorary Members
(1) Persons who have rendered outstanding service to the association, its objectives or the profession of emergency medical technicians and emergency medical services personnel may, upon proposal by the Executive Board, be appointed honorary members by the General Assembly. There shall be no legal entitlement to such appointment.
(2) Appointment as an honorary member shall be made by resolution of the General Assembly by simple majority.
(3) Honorary members shall be exempt from the obligation to pay membership fees. They shall have no voting rights in the General Assembly and shall not be eligible for election to the Executive Board; however, they may participate in the General Assembly in an advisory capacity and, at the discretion of the Executive Board, contribute to selected association events.
§ 8 Termination of Membership
(1) Membership shall terminate:
a) in the case of natural persons, upon death;
b) in the case of legal entities, upon loss of legal personality;
c) by voluntary withdrawal;
d) by expulsion;
e) by revocation of honorary membership.
(2) A member’s voluntary withdrawal shall be notified to the Executive Board in writing; electronic form (e.g. by email) shall also be permissible. Withdrawal shall become effective at the end of the current association year, provided that the notice of withdrawal has demonstrably been received by the Executive Board at least three months in advance; if notification is made late, withdrawal shall become effective at the end of the following association year.
(3) The Executive Board may expel a member for good cause, in particular if:
a) membership fees remain outstanding for at least six months despite a written reminder;
b) the member seriously violates these Articles of Association or resolutions of the General Assembly;
c) the member acts contrary to or jeopardises the purposes of the association;
d) the member is involved in legal, ethical or reputation-damaging matters that materially adversely affect the association.
(4) The expulsion procedure shall be as follows:
a) The intended expulsion shall be communicated to the member concerned in writing, including electronically, together with the reasons.
b) The member shall be granted a period of 30 days to submit a written statement.
c) After expiry of the period for submitting a statement, the Executive Board shall decide on expulsion by a two-thirds majority.
d) The resolution on expulsion shall be communicated to the member in writing, including electronically.
(5) The member concerned may, within 30 days of receipt of the expulsion decision, refer the matter to the association’s internal Dispute Resolution Body pursuant to § 17. Until the Dispute Resolution Body has reached a decision, the membership rights of the member concerned shall be suspended.
(6) In the case of ordinary members, membership may additionally terminate automatically if the substantive requirements for ordinary membership are no longer fulfilled. The Executive Board shall determine whether this ground for termination exists and shall notify the organisation thereof in writing, including electronically.
(7) Revocation of honorary membership may be decided by the General Assembly, upon application by the Executive Board, for the reasons specified in paragraph 3.
(8) Upon withdrawal, expulsion or revocation of membership, the rights associated with membership shall cease; outstanding payment obligations and other claims of the association or the member shall remain unaffected. Membership fees already paid shall not be refunded.
§ 9 Rights and Obligations of Members
(1) All members shall be entitled to participate in association events, use work results and use the association’s facilities within the scope of the association’s purposes.
(2) Voting rights in the General Assembly, as well as active and passive voting rights, shall be reserved exclusively for ordinary members and shall be exercised through their appointed representatives. Associate members and honorary members shall have no voting rights and shall not be eligible for election to the Executive Board.
(3) Every member shall be entitled to request from the Executive Board a current copy of the Articles of Association.
(4) At least one tenth of the members may request that the Executive Board convene an Extraordinary General Assembly; such request shall be submitted in writing, including electronically, and shall specify the desired agenda items.
(5) At every General Assembly, the Executive Board shall inform the members about the activities and financial management of the association and about the annual financial statements audited by the auditors. If at least one tenth of the members request such information, stating their reasons, the Executive Board shall provide the relevant members with such information outside the General Assembly within four weeks.
(6) Ordinary members shall in particular have the right:
a) to nominate candidates for Executive Board positions and to be elected to the Executive Board themselves;
b) to submit motions for agenda items of the General Assembly;
c) to appoint representatives to specialist working groups and task forces;
d) to receive regular information about the activities, resolutions and positions of the association;
e) to have their interests represented by the association vis-à-vis European and national institutions.
(7) Associate members shall in particular have the right:
a) to access reports, publications and other work results, insofar as this is compatible with the purposes of the association;
b) to submit proposals and statements on professional matters;
c) to participate in specialist working groups in an advisory capacity upon invitation by the Executive Board.
(8) Honorary members shall have the right:
a) to participate in the General Assembly in an advisory capacity (without voting rights);
b) to submit proposals and suggestions for the further development of the association.
(9) All members shall be obliged:
a) to promote the interests and objectives of the association to the best of their ability and to refrain from anything that could impair the reputation or purpose of the association;
b) to comply with these Articles of Association and the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Executive Board;
c) to pay the membership fees duly and within the applicable deadlines, insofar as they are subject to such fees.
§ 10 Bodies of the Association
(1) The bodies of the association are:
a) The General Assembly (Members’ Assembly)
b) The Executive Board (Governing Body)
c) The Auditors (Control Body)
d) The Dispute Resolution Body (Conciliation Body)
§ 11 General Assembly
(1) The General Assembly is the “Members’ Assembly” within the meaning of the Austrian Associations Act 2002 (Vereinsgesetz 2002). An ordinary General Assembly shall be held every two years.
(2) An Extraordinary General Assembly shall be held within four weeks upon:
a) resolution of the Executive Board or the General Assembly;
b) written request by at least one tenth of the members;
c) request by the Auditors;
d) resolution of the Auditors to convene the assembly themselves pursuant to the Associations Act, if the Executive Board fails to comply with a request under lit. c) within the prescribed period;
e) resolution of a court-appointed curator.
(3) All members shall be invited to both ordinary and extraordinary General Assemblies at least two weeks before the date, in writing, including electronically (e.g. by email), stating the agenda. The invitation shall be issued by the Executive Board or, in cases provided for by law, by the Auditors or a court-appointed curator.
(4) Motions for consideration by the General Assembly shall be submitted to the Executive Board in writing, including electronically, at least seven days before the date of the General Assembly.
(5) Valid resolutions may only be adopted on matters included in the agenda, with the exception of resolutions concerning a motion to convene an Extraordinary General Assembly.
(6) All members shall be entitled to participate in the General Assembly. Only ordinary members shall have voting rights. Each ordinary member shall have one vote. Legal entities shall be represented by a natural person appointed by them as their representative. Transfer of voting rights to another ordinary member by means of written authorisation shall be permitted.
(7) The General Assembly shall constitute a quorum regardless of the number of voting members present or validly represented.
(8) Elections and resolutions in the General Assembly shall generally be adopted by a simple majority of the valid votes cast. Resolutions amending the Articles of Association or dissolving the association shall require a two-thirds majority of the valid votes cast.
(9) The General Assembly shall be chaired by the President or, in their absence, by a Vice President. If no Vice President is available, the oldest member of the Executive Board present in terms of age shall chair the meeting.
(10) The General Assembly may be held in person, digitally or in hybrid form, provided that the participation and voting rights of voting members are safeguarded.
§ 12 Responsibilities of the General Assembly
The following matters shall be reserved for the General Assembly:
a) adoption of the budget;
b) receipt and approval of the activity report and annual financial statements, with the involvement of the Auditors;
c) election and removal of members of the Executive Board and the Auditors;
d) approval of legal transactions between the Auditors and the association;
e) granting discharge to the Executive Board;
f) determining the amount of admission fees and membership fees;
g) granting and revocation of honorary membership;
h) resolutions concerning amendments to the Articles of Association and the voluntary dissolution of the association;
i) discussion and resolution on other matters included in the agenda.
§ 13 Executive Board
(1) The Executive Board shall consist of at least four members:
a) the President;
b) one or more Vice Presidents;
c) the Secretary;
d) the Treasurer.
The exact number of Executive Board members and Vice Presidents shall be determined by the General Assembly on the occasion of each election of the Executive Board.
(1a) The President and the Vice Presidents must be natural persons who have been appointed by an ordinary member as representatives vis-à-vis the association.
(1b) The Secretary and the Treasurer must be natural persons who have either been appointed by an ordinary member as its representative or are affiliated with the association and proposed by the Executive Board. They shall be elected by the General Assembly.
(2) The Executive Board shall be elected by the General Assembly. If an elected member leaves office, the Executive Board shall have the right to co-opt another eligible ordinary member in their place, subject to subsequent approval at the next General Assembly.
(3) The term of office of the Executive Board shall be two years. Re-election shall be permitted. Each position on the Executive Board shall be exercised personally.
(4) The Executive Board shall be convened by the President or, in their absence, by the oldest Vice President present in terms of age, either in writing or orally. If that person is also unavailable for an unforeseeably long period, any other member of the Executive Board may convene the Executive Board.
(5) The Executive Board shall constitute a quorum if all its members have been invited and at least half of them are present.
(6) The Executive Board shall adopt resolutions by simple majority; in the event of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote.
(7) The meeting shall be chaired by the President or, in their absence, by the oldest Vice President present in terms of age. If that person is also unavailable, the oldest member of the Executive Board present in terms of age shall chair the meeting.
(8) Apart from death and expiry of the term of office, the office of an Executive Board member shall terminate by removal from office or resignation.
(9) The General Assembly may remove the entire Executive Board or individual members thereof from office at any time. Removal shall take effect upon the appointment of the new Executive Board or Executive Board member.
(10) Executive Board members may declare their resignation in writing at any time. A resignation shall be addressed to the Executive Board or, in the case of the resignation of the entire Executive Board, to the General Assembly. Resignation shall only become effective upon the election or co-optation of a successor.
§ 14 Responsibilities of the Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be responsible for managing the association. It is the “Governing Body” within the meaning of the Austrian Associations Act 2002. It shall be responsible for all matters that are not assigned by these Articles of Association to another body of the association.
Its responsibilities shall include in particular:
a) establishing accounting procedures appropriate to the requirements of the association, including ongoing recording of income and expenditure and maintaining an asset register and membership register;
b) preparing the annual budget, activity report and annual financial statements;
c) preparing and convening the General Assembly;
d) informing members about the association’s activities, financial management and audited annual financial statements;
e) managing the assets of the association;
f) admitting and expelling ordinary and associate members;
g) hiring and terminating employees of the association;
h) establishing and coordinating specialist working groups;
i) submitting and administering applications for funding and projects.
§ 15 Specific Responsibilities of Individual Executive Board Members
(1) The President shall conduct the day-to-day business of the association. The Secretary shall support the President in conducting the association’s affairs.
(2) The President shall represent the association externally. Written documents issued by the association shall require the signatures of the President and the Treasurer to be valid; electronic signatures shall also be permissible. In matters of routine correspondence, countersignature by the Secretary may be used. Legal transactions between Executive Board members and the association shall require the approval of another Executive Board member.
(3) Powers of attorney under legal transactions authorising representation of the association externally or the signing of documents on its behalf may only be granted by the Executive Board members specified in paragraph 2.
(4) In cases of imminent danger, the President shall be entitled, under their own responsibility, to independently issue orders even in matters falling within the responsibilities of the General Assembly or the Executive Board; internally, however, such orders shall require subsequent approval by the competent body of the association.
(5) The President shall chair the General Assembly and the Executive Board.
(6) The Vice Presidents shall represent the President in the event of absence or incapacity, support strategic tasks and may be responsible for specific portfolios.
(7) The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the General Assembly and the Executive Board.
(8) The Treasurer shall be responsible for the proper financial management of the association.
(9) In the event of the absence or incapacity of the President, Secretary or Treasurer, the respective Vice Presidents or Executive Board members designated by the Executive Board shall act in their place.
§ 16 Auditors
(1) Two Auditors shall be elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years. Re-election shall be permitted. The Auditors may not belong to any body of the association—with the exception of the General Assembly—whose activities are subject to audit.
(2) The Auditors shall be responsible for ongoing operational oversight and for auditing the association’s financial management with regard to the proper keeping of accounts and the use of funds in accordance with the Articles of Association. The Executive Board shall provide the Auditors with the necessary documents and information. The Auditors shall report the results of the audit to the Executive Board.
(3) Legal transactions between the Auditors and the association shall require approval by the General Assembly. In all other respects, the provisions governing the removal and resignation of Executive Board members shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Auditors.
§ 17 Dispute Resolution Body
(1) The association’s internal Dispute Resolution Body shall be responsible for settling all disputes arising from the relationship between the association and its members. It constitutes a “conciliation body” within the meaning of the Austrian Associations Act 2002 and is not an arbitral tribunal within the meaning of §§ 577 et seq. of the Austrian Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).
(2) The Dispute Resolution Body shall consist of three persons. It shall be constituted as follows: one party to the dispute shall nominate a person in writing to the Executive Board to act as an arbitrator. Upon request by the Executive Board, the other party to the dispute shall, within 14 days, nominate a person to act as an arbitrator. The Executive Board shall notify the nominated arbitrators within seven days, whereupon they shall, within a further 14 days, select a third person to chair the Dispute Resolution Body. In the event of a tie, the decision shall be determined by drawing lots.
(3) The Dispute Resolution Body shall reach its decision after granting both parties the right to be heard and with all its members present, by simple majority. It shall decide according to its best knowledge and conscience. Its decisions shall be final within the association.
§ 18 Voluntary Dissolution of the Association
(1) The voluntary dissolution of the association may only be resolved by a General Assembly and only by a two-thirds majority of the valid votes cast.
(2) If association assets exist, the General Assembly shall decide on the winding-up. In particular, it shall appoint a liquidator and resolve to whom the remaining association assets, after satisfaction of liabilities, shall be transferred.
(3) The last Executive Board shall notify the competent association authority in writing of the voluntary dissolution within four weeks of the resolution.
§ 19 Use of Association Assets upon Dissolution of the Association or Discontinuation of Its Previous Purpose
Upon dissolution of the association or discontinuation of its previous purpose, the association assets remaining after satisfaction of liabilities shall, insofar as possible and legally permissible, be transferred to an organisation pursuing the same or similar purposes as this association.
If the association is recognised as a non-profit organisation within the meaning of §§ 34 et seq. of the Austrian Federal Fiscal Code (Bundesabgabenordnung – BAO), the remaining association assets shall in any event be used for non-profit purposes within the meaning of §§ 34 et seq. BAO.