By-laws EFPM Branch

TASKS, RIGHTS, DUTIES, MISSION, RESPONSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF THE EFPM BRANCH IN SLOVENIA (EFPM – Branch Ljubljana).

Introduction

This by-law defines the tasks, rights, duties, mission, responsibilities, and limitations of the EFPM Branch in Slovenia (“EFPM – Branch Ljubljana”). Its purpose is to ensure that the Branch operates in full compliance with the EFPM Statutes and with applicable laws in Slovenia and Belgium.

The Executive Committee adopted this by-law pursuant to the powers granted under Articles 2.3, 17.1, 17.10, 25, and 28.1 of the current EFPM Statutes. These articles authorise the Executive Committee to establish branch offices, define their operational scope, and resolve any uncertainties related to EFPM management and governance. The by-law was approved at the Executive Committee’s online meeting of 26 November 2025, following careful discussion and review.

The document clarifies the Branch’s legal status, confirming that it is an organisational unit of EFPM registered under Slovenian law. It outlines the Branch’s mission and objectives, which derive directly from Article 3 of the EFPM Statutes, and explains how the Branch supports EFPM’s programme, projects, partnerships, events, and administrative work.

The by-law also sets out specific responsibilities of the Branch in Slovenia, including administrative support, local project coordination, compliance with Slovenian regulations, and representation before public authorities. At the same time, it establishes clear limitations: the Branch has no authority in matters relating to EFPM membership, governance, statutory changes, or strategic decision-making. All assets, finances, and decisions remain under the authority of EFPM.

Finally, the by-law describes internal reporting and oversight obligations, ensuring transparency and regular communication between the Branch, the EFPM leadership, and the Executive Committee.

This framework provides legal clarity, operational consistency, and a uniform model that—unless otherwise decided—may serve as a reference for any additional EFPM branches that might be created in the future.

1. Legal Status of the Branch

The EFPM Branch Office in Slovenia (“EFPM – podružnica Ljubljana”) is established by decision of the EFPM Executive Committee under Article 2.3 of the EFPM Statutes.
Under Slovenian law, the Branch is registered as a branch of a foreign non-profit association, meaning:

1.1 Legal identity under Slovenian law

The Branch has legal presence and status in Slovenia as an organisational unit of a foreign legal entity.

It can perform activities, open a bank account, enter into operational agreements, and fulfil tax and administrative obligations in the name and on behalf of EFPM.

1.2 Not an independent legal entity

The Branch does not become a separate legal person
— it forms part of the EFPM ASBL (Belgium).

All assets, bank accounts, property, documents, and resources used by the Branch remain property of EFPM.

1.3 Dual reporting

The Branch must report:

  • to EFPM (Belgium) in line with Belgian legislation and EFPM Statutes,
  • to Slovenian authorities (AJPES, FURS, banks, etc.) under Slovenian legislation governing branches of foreign non-profit associations.

1.4 Representative of the Branch

The EFPM Executive Committee appoints:

Mr. Robert Perc (Slovenia)
as the official Branch Representative, authorised to act on behalf of EFPM in Slovenia.

This authority is defined in the Power of Attorney and includes legal, financial, and administrative actions needed for registration and lawful operation—always in accordance with EFPM Statutes, EFPM decisions, and Slovenian law.

2. Mission and Objectives of the Branch

(Pursuant to Article 3 of the EFPM Statutes)

The Branch carries out the mission, programme and operational activities of the European Fair Play Movement, in particular:

2.1 General mission

To promote and develop Fair Play in sport, education, and everyday life, reflecting universal ethical values and the educational value of good example.

2.2 Programme objectives (from EFPM Statutes Art. 3.2 and 3.4)

The Branch executes and supports EFPM activities including:

  • Supporting and organising Fair Play initiatives, campaigns, events, and projects.
  • Facilitating cooperation with sport, educational, and cultural organisations, particularly in Slovenia and the wider European region.
  • Promoting ethics, gender equality, inclusion, and good governance in sport.
  • Promoting initiatives against doping and sports manipulation.
  • Exchanging information with partners and EFPM members.
  • Supporting EFPM relations with media and public authorities.
  • Assisting in organising EFPM Congresses, seminars, conferences, and gatherings.
  • Promoting and helping implement EFPM Fair Play Awards.
  • Supporting EFPM activities in EU-funded projects in cooperation with Slovenian partners (such as EUSA and others).
  • Publishing Fair Play materials, supporting website operations, and creating visual and educational resources.

These tasks must always be carried out in line with EFPM Statutes and programme priorities set by EFPM governing bodies.

3. Specific Responsibilities of the Branch in Slovenia

3.1 Operational and Administrative Functions

The Branch may:

  • support EFPM’s day-to-day management,
  • manage local project implementation,
  • assist EFPM entities (ExCom, Scientific Committee, event organisers),
  • organise meetings, seminars, workshops, and other events,
  • maintain administrative files required under Slovenian law,
  • manage the branch bank account,
  • ensure compliance with Slovenian accounting and reporting obligations.

3.2 Representation before Slovenian authorities

The Branch Representative is authorised to act before:

  • AJPES (registration, updates),
  • Financial Administration (FURS),
  • Slovenian banks,
  • Municipal and state institutions,
  • Notaries, translation offices, and courts when required.

3.3 Management of assets and bank accounts

Financial resources held at the Branch must serve EFPM’s non-profit purpose.

All financial commitments must follow EFPM Statutes and ExCom/GA decisions.

The Branch must ensure proper bookkeeping and annual reporting as required by Slovenian law.

4. Limitations of the Branch Office

Despite operational autonomy, the Branch has strict limitations:

4.1 No authority over EFPM membership

The Branch cannot:

  • admit, exclude, or evaluate EFPM members,
  • modify member voting rights or membership status,
  • represent EFPM in membership governance discussions.

These matters are exclusively within:

  • EFPM General Assembly (Statute Art. 14.2),
  • EFPM Executive Committee.

4.2 No strategic or governing authority

The Branch may not:

  • amend EFPM Statutes,
  • adopt or modify EFPM Bye-Laws,
  • adopt independent policies,
  • call or conduct EFPM General Assemblies or ExCom sessions,
  • represent EFPM in matters of governance, elections, or official positions unless explicitly authorised.

4.3 No financial independence

The Branch:

  • may not take loans, incur significant liabilities, or enter long-term financial obligations without ExCom approval,
  • cannot allocate funds contrary to EFPM’s non-profit purpose or Belgian law.

All assets and accounts belong to EFPM.

4.4 The Representative’s actions must follow EFPM decisions

The Representative:

  • must act according to EFPM Statutes, GA and ExCom resolutions,
  • may not act contrary to instructions from EFPM leadership,
  • holds revocable authority.

5. Reporting, Oversight, and Internal Compliance

5.1 Reporting duties

The Branch must report regularly to:

  • President of EFPM,
  • General Secretary of EFPM,
  • EFPM Executive Committee.

Reports include:

  • financial statements (Slovenian bookkeeping + information for EFPM annual accounts),
  • activity reports,
  • updates on local partnerships and projects.

5.2 Internal governance obligations

The Branch must:

  • follow EFPM Statutes (Articles 1–30),
  • observe Belgian non-profit law applicable to EFPM ASBL,
  • comply with Slovenian regulatory requirements (AJPES, FURS, banking, labour, data protection, etc.).
  • ensure the protection of EFPM’s legitimate business interests and reputational integrity.

5.3 Transparency

The Branch must ensure:

  • transparent procedures for events, finances, procurement, and communication,
  • preservation and archiving of documents for EFPM oversight.

5.4 Internal Audit

The Branch is obliged to make all financial, operational, and administrative documentation fully available to the EFPM Board of Auditors or to any other oversight or supervisory authority designated by the Executive Committee or the General Assembly.

These by-laws were duly approved and adopted unanimously by the Executive Committee.