15 April and 16 April Rhodes, Greece
INDEX
Spring Meeting Programme - April 2025, Rhodes, Greece Page 2-4
Minutes of EuroCOP Congress, Torremolinos, Spain November 2024 Page 5-15
Head of Office – Report to Autumn Committee Torremolinos, Spain 2024 Page 16-20
EuroCop Budget 2024 Page 21-22
EuroCOP Finance Orders - November 2024 Page 23-27
EuroCOP Statutes updated November 2024 Page 28-39
Action Plan 2024-2028 Page 40-44
Chair of the Meeting Opening Remarks
Unn Alma Skatvold
Determination of number of registered delegates and votes
Adoption of draft agenda
Adoption of draft minutes of the EuroCOP November Congress - Spain
Welcome from Host Country
Mr Gregorios Gerakarakos, President of POASY
Chair to request meeting to stand and remember in silence all those Police Officers who have lost their lives since we last met
President’s address
Jonne Rinne
The Chair will invite delegates and or observers of each Member Organisation present to take to the floor for a maximum of 2 minutes each to introduce themselves and their Organisation, and the primary challenge their organisation are currently dealing with
Refreshment break
Police constantly transforming role under the light of EU' s diversified migration crises. The example of the Eastern Mediterranean region
Mary Anagnou
Doctor of International and European Institutions, Panteion University
External Collaborator of the Postgraduate Programme "Governance, Security and Development in the Mediterranean", at the Department of Mediterranean Studies: Archaeology, Linguistics, International Relations of Aegean University (Rhodes)
Brussels Secondment
Àngels Bosch
Eurotran Update
Dan Wolff & Margareta Przybyla
ICPRA
Tom Stamatakis, President Lunch
All Ukrainian Police Trade Union Presentation
PTSD Presentation
Police Care UK
Karen Jerram-Mason
Group Session
Main Challenge’s facing Police Trade Unions in the next 6 months
Delegate’s will asked to move to a table which they will be advised of, and discuss the main challenges their organisation face over the coming months for 30 minutes, then as a group present their findings to the other groups
Treasurer’s Report
Mark Marshallsay
Head of Office Report
Nigel Dennis
End of Session
Reception
Arranged and hosted by POASY
15 April and 16 April
Rhodes, Greece
Although we have worked hard, not all problems have been solved by any means. Europe still has to prepare for the post-war era and its effects on Europe's internal security. We hope that the war in Ukraine will end as quickly as possible, but it will not remove the shadow from Europe. Violence against the police remains an epidemic. An epidemic, which requires proactive and decisive actions from us. We must not let national decision-makers off the hook too easily when they emphasise for example that these are only national challenges. There isn't. Our task is to emphasise the extent of the phenomenon and its importance, as well as to protect those who work on the front line. Climate change and the increase in extreme weather events continue to challenge the security of Europeans. As climate change continues, involuntary migration is also a challenge that must be met. The phenomenon, combined with the insufficient number of police officers, is already challenging our brothers and sisters and this has been highlighted especially in Greece, Malta, Spain and Portugal. Serious and Organised Crime in Europe is on the increase and demanding more of our members. We want, that the EU become more vocal and visible as it has the legal basis to be a more active participant.
The insufficient number of police officers, combined with new challenges, has led to the fact that more and more police officers are exhausted under their workload and are in danger of burning out. We want the police as a profession to also interest younger age groups, who are also attracted to many other fields. If we don't make sure that there are enough newcomers and that those already standing in line stay in line, Europe's internal security is in great danger. Fixing this problem after the fact is difficult and expensive. If Europeans lose their trust in the authorities and the police, we as a community are also in even greater danger. And this undermining of trust has already been consciously attempted by states hostile to us as Europe and western democracy.
Honorable congressmen and congresswomen.
I have stated in my previous President’s addresses, that EuroCOP has only one direction, and that is forward. We want to be an even more influential actor where decisions are prepared and implemented, i.e. in the heart of Europe in Brussels. EuroCOP makes the voice of all its members and the frontline of policing heard. It is our uncompromising task in the work, the seeds of which are sown today but the results of which will only be seen years from now, as it is well known that the gears of influencing work and the bureaucracy associated with it are slow. But we must have faith. To believe both in the fruits of our cooperation and especially in each other. If changing things were easy, someone else would have already done it. Our mission is uncompromising, now is our time to make an impact, and we will do our job and bear our responsibilities. We owe that to the past, present and future representatives of our profession. We protect those who protect us and all of Europe.
At this congress, you will elect the EuroCOP board for the next four years. At the same time, you confirm the action plan, or the EuroCOP Action Plan, for the next four years as a guideline for the ExCOM, which, based on its authority, must implement that action plan. The action plan determines the direction of the activities, but it should not actually tie our hands, because the world is changing quickly and we have to be part of the change in order not to fall off the path of development. We can only be at our most effective by being proactive and raising phenomena and issues into a broader discussion. By being not proactive, but reactive and reacting to what has already happened, we are always one step behind.
As president, I have stated that in the future EuroCOP must expand and it must be able to lead by example, which attracts to our ranks especially those who want to do effective and wide-ranging influence work in Europe. As we will find out at this congress, there are new bearers of responsibility entering our ranks in the form of membership nominations. I warmly welcome you all to this congress. Do not be shy, for in the next few days you will find that you are standing among your own people.
There is a wide demand for our know-how and expertise also in international cooperation. The International Council of Police Representative Associations ICPRA organised a summit in Lisbon in June. In addition to being elected to the ICPRA board, I would especially like to congratulate our Scottish representative, Mr. David Kennedy, who was elected as General Secretary of ICPRA. Warm congratulations on behalf of myself and all of EuroCOP family, Mr. Kennedy, and success in your demanding work.
And finally.
Now, looking both at the past and at the present moment, and in this context, may I also look at the future from the point of view of the president of EuroCOP. The situation of internal security in Europe continues to be uncertain and we continue to see how violence against the police increases and requires quick and correct actions from the decision-makers. Large-scale hostilities in Ukraine continue, and although we hope the war will end sooner rather than later, we must still be prepared not only for the reconstruction of Ukraine, but also for its post-war effects in Europe. Climate change continues and large-scale involuntary immigration to Europe, especially from North and East Africa, continues. These are all phenomena that have not changed or disappeared since I took office. We have to make sure that those standing on the front line also have their social rights and the opportunity to influence the decisionmaking of their community. Although we are sworn police officers, we are also part of the wider community and part of society. Regardless of our profession, we also have the rights defined in the fundamental rights and this must be adhered to.
Treasurers Report
Good morning Conference,
Great to see you all again here in Torremolinos, here is my report, which I’m afraid does not make enjoyable reading. The expenditure for 2023 has given me cause for concern and to be honest, the increase in membership subscriptions cannot come soon enough. I implied in my report, this time last year, that the financial climate was significantly changing, and this year, it has finally caught up with us. The rate of inflation across Europe has caused prices to soar, which has massively effected expenditure.
Appendix 1 of my report demonstrates this perfectly. The actual budget for 2023 saw an income of 205,482.47 Euros and an expenditure of 293,773.78 Euros, which is an 88,291.31 spend over our income.
There are some other reasons for this overspend on top of increased costs throughout. Again I have highlighted some of these in Appendix 1.
Professional Services for 2023 included a substantial cost for external auditing of the 2020-2022 accounts, this was in the region of 30,000 Euros.
Committee Meetings includes a substantial deposit for the 2024 meeting in Malta, around 7,000 Euros, but even so, this still resulted with 60,000 Euros being spent on two Committee Meetings.
We have also seen a substantial increase in Tax payments for both local and government authorities in Luxembourg, however this includes back taxes from 20202022.
I have included Auditor costs in the ExCOM budget as well as EuroCop Representation, as Nigel does tremendously well in putting EuroCop at the forefront of European Organisations.
Appendix 2 is there to just show you in a more aesthetically pleasing fashion, the expenditure compared to income for 2023.
The proposed budget for 2024 shows an income of 258,928.08 Euros, which I have based on membership numbers for this year and includes the changes in financial orders as voted on in April of this year.
EuroCOP Congress November 2024
Auditor’s Report
Dear Colleagues,
I write to report, that on Tuesday 8th October 2024, I attended the British Transport Police Federation offices in West Dulwich, London, where I conducted EuroCOP’s Internal Audit for the year ending December 2023. Also present were our Treasurer, Mark Marshallsay and Head of Office, Nigel Dennis.
Our EuroCOP accounts for the year ending December 2023 had been drawn up and presented by our treasurer with corresponding filed receipts and payments. Part of these accounts had been transposed into the new Sage accounting system which had been inputted by our treasurer. I must commend Mark for the excellent work and manner of these well-presented and documented filing of accounts.
As per usual practice, I conducted various spot checks on EuroCOP’s receipts, payments, credit cards, petty cash and Bank accounts. Entries were cross checked and found to be correct and in order.
Unfortunately, as previously reported to you, the 2023 accounts also show a spiralling negative downward trend. These showed continuing increased costs and expenses of EuroCOP’s day to day business with increased costs in travel, Conference accommodation and arrangements.
Costs have nearly doubled and in some instances tripled! Our membership income vis a vis our current costs/expenses, are unsustainable. Our forecasted allocated budgets unfortunately have suffered because of this, and I sadly must inform you that we are further continuing eating into our reserves!
As you may be aware our treasurer, Mark has been on a more hands on role saving EuroCOP on bookkeeping fees with the new Sage Accounting package, preparing the accounts instead of having this important function subcontracted or hired out. But we continue to have the necessary added costs of audited accounts which continue to be a requirement and need to be filed under Luxembourg law.
Accounting standards for non-profit associations and foundations in Luxembourg. The new law and key impacts 2024. The recently published new Luxembourg law on nonprofit associations (NPA) and foundations introduces stringent accounting standards for these entities. It introduces three categories of NPA – small, medium and large –with specific reporting obligations based on assets, income, and number of staff. The law came into effect on 23 September 2023.
Please Note
1. Advance payment of €10,000 has already been made for the Spring 2025 Committee meeting in Rhodes, Greece.
2. That we are 2 months away from the end of EuroCOP 2024 Financial Year, however having said this, this does not eliminate or detract from my meaningful financial forecasts for the coming years.
Although 2024 accounts have still not been drawn up, I can assure you that the same continuing negative downward trend is evident!
As you can see, our current financial situation continues to be unsustainable and there is a necessity to introduce and implement important drastic measures so that EuroCOP continues its functionality to have the desired impact as it is currently attaining.
Unfortunately, there is a need to increase income (i.e. membership fees) as there are no other forms of income currently available (i.e. sponsorships or grants from the European Union).
The following points were discussed and agreed that EuroCOP should consider:
• yearly inflation increases on membership fees (inflation 4.7 % as EuroStat Index rate)
• membership parameters, and fees structure
• number of physical Conference and committee meetings to be considered.
Our Treasurer has rightly proposed changes to EuroCOP’s Financial Orders which I fully agree with and endorse. It is up to Conference now to seriously consider and decide and adhere with the necessary implementations to secure EuroCOP’s imminent and continuing sustainability.
I am open to any questions from the floor……
On a closing note, as you may be aware, my current tenure as Internal Auditor for EuroCOP has come to an end. It has been an honour, privilege and pleasure to have held this post for the past nine years. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking the Executive Committee and all you Members and Colleagues for your continued trust, friendship and support during all these years.
I understand that no one has put their name up for the Internal Auditor’s post. I would gladly continue to do so for another term or until my replacement is found, but that I leave for your discretion and decision.
Thanking you for your kind attention.
This time four years ago, I had the privilege of chairing our on line Congress from our office in Luxembourg; all of us having just experienced a global event that impacted on each one us in how it shaped and how we went about our collective goals of Protecting the Protectors
My role is not only the day to day operation of your organisation but also ensuring during the congressional period that the fine words and aspirations we jointly constructed in our agreed action plan, that it becomes more than that, tangible progress on those goals you the M.O ‘ s had set out, are made.
It became clear to myself after 18 months I concluded, that we weren’t making the strategic progress both I and your ExCOM were hoping for, and a different lobbying strategy was required if we were to make measurable progress on our goals.
I want to place on record my personal thanks to Sarah Cuvellier and Kate Foster whose initial work in the first year of our business relationship with Cicero/AMO, they understood our brief and were able to work within our financial limitations Unfortunately for us they left the employment of Cicero and despite this company’s best efforts the momentum and understanding of the brief wavered and this was not something that I could allow to continue on my watch.
I am grateful that the Ex-com had the confidence in my advice to change our lobbying strategy at the completion of our contract with Cicero /AMO and allow me the opportunity to seek another Brussels based lobbying company that at pace could understand our project and goals and bring forward a strategic pathway where we could achieve some key objectives.
Working closely with our colleagues from Eurotran we realigned our focus on how moving forward we could get the voice of the Police Officer heard in the corridors of power and influence in the European political institutions, on specific and targeted issues.
In a short space of time we had identified and developed a strategic strategy that has within its core the golden thread of our goals within the agreed action plan Protecting the Protectors, along side this collectively we developed a manifesto for the European Parliamentary elections in which all M.O we’re actively involved in its construction.
Moving forward in our discussions with newly elected MEP’s we are focusing on issues that they can influence, the debate and direction of travel.
Serious Organised Crime across the whole of Europe and beyond is growing at a phenomenal rate. These criminal markets involving illicit drugs , trafficking of human beings and migrant smuggling ,which is set against a back drop from my prism of vision that across Europe the retention experienced Police Officers is becoming an influencing factor when managing these crimes
Our repeated message is consistent Police Officer/ staff burn out after having had enough of the pressures of being asked to do more with less are leaving the Police Service, and the challenges to their and sometimes their families personal safety is increasing.
An example of this was when we were informed in one meeting that in Belguim there is a short fall of 4000 Police Officers in that country alone. So as you would expect the question we posed was with the call to increase the size of Europol and Frontex where are these experienced Police Officers coming from?
The commercial sector can and are providing more attractive terms and conditions to former experienced Police Officers who have skill sets that are extremely attractive to private organisations trying to protect their commercial assets.
At all our meetings we have with European Parliamentarians and Policy makers we emphasis the point that it can never be acceptable to accept the premise that unlawful violence against Police Officers and Staff carrying out their lawful duty should viewed by them as an acceptable occupational hazard.
Our Vice President Unn Alma Skatvold at a recent meeting made the following observation to an MEP in which I shall para phrase “ The Police protect democracy, doesn’t democracy have the responsibility to protect the Police?”. My take away from that intervention that in the context of our meeting that short statement hit home with this particular MEP, more than anything else.
EuroCOP the organisation directly employs myself and the work I undertake on your behalf in between meetings has to be objective and on task, as we as an organisation and as Congress was clearly informed yesterday simply do not have the capacity and financial freedom to expand with limitless professional advice as much as other European Trade Union bodies are able to do given the size of their memberships and the volume of highly talented professionals they have at their disposal.
My mantra in all of my dealings and interactions with EU Politicians and Civil Servants when I am privileged to represent “EuroCOP” is that as an organisation collectively we are integrity driven, and solution focused and our mantra of Protecting the Protectors across the whole of the European Landscape, is our collective goal.
As M.O I am urging you all to use your Organisations social media platforms what ever they may be to promote and engage with the work EuroCOP are doing on your behalf. Please do not underestimate your organisations engagement on these platforms which is noticed with policy developers. Your contribution in this area does make a difference.
You may have heard the adage “ you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” but that certainly is not the case with myself, I spent many years prior to taking on this position engaging with Government Ministers and senior civil servants in the UK, and at times during that period of time I had had to eat nails that were thrown at me and spit out rust. The culture of engagement within the EU is completely different behavioural environment. The way in which we try to influence is in the way we style and shape our lobbying which is issue specific and with a consensual approach at the centre of our method of operation.
I have been in post for nearly 5 years and I have seen measurable progress especially in the last 2 years. Managing the day to day function of this organisation during the pandemic and the years that followed has been challenging especially during a necessary period restructure. I am however pleased to report that EuroCOP performance set against our key objectives that Member Organisation’s agreed upon in November 2020 as described in the Action Plan of 2020 -2024, has been progressive and going in the right direction.
Our voice is being heard and our visibility is being recognised.
As your representative it’s important to myself that when EuroCOP puts its name and reputation behind an issue we proceed with the values and cultural responsibility we share of being professional, responsible and an accountable organisation that above all else is a membership led organisation.
In this next congressional period of 2024 – 2028 our organisation will reach its One Hundred year birthday a significant mile stone in any organisation history.
The Foundation’s of our organisation were constructed in May 1927 and from the International Federation of Police Officials it evolved to become Union Internationale des Syndicates de Police in 1953 to then in Denmark in 2002 to become the European Confederation of Police.
I continue to have the energy ambition and resolve to promote the rationale and purpose of our organisation, but neither I or the ExCOM can do it alone, it requires the active engagement of all M.O to maintain our professional visibility to those institutions we wish to influence in their decision making processes.
Finally can I extend my personal thanks to our team of interpreters Vicky and Alejandra, who have been working for EuroCOP for many years and are essential members of our group. My thanks and sincere gratitude go also to Stark Events and Eurotran, in what I would describe as Team EuroCOP. All of these colleagues contributions play an essential part in making EuroCOP the organisation we have today, and I would ask you to show your appreciation with a round of applause
I am happy to take questions from the floor regarding my report.
Thank you .
I would at this point like to go through the proposed Action Plan 2024 -2028, after I have gone through this plan I will take questions on the content and at the conclusion the chair will take a vote on your approval or otherwise of the plan in its current construction.
In accordance with Article 5 of the EuroCOP Statues the following were unanimously elected by members present for a four (4) year period to the EuroCOP ExCOM
This process was strictly overseen by the Head of office, and all appropriate documentation for the election was submitted by the candidates in line with article 5.
MARK MARSHALLSAY - TREASURER
ANGELS BOSCH
GEORGIOS STAMATAKIS
UNN ALMA SKATVOLD
HENRY BAUTISTA - AUDITOR
In accordance with Article 5 6 of the EuroCOP statutes, the President Jonne Rinne nominated Unn Alma Skatvold to be the Vice President
29 Organisation attended Congress of which 5 were guest Organisation's 83 Participants took park in the Congress.
In accordance with EuroCOP Statues Article 4.4 (2) refers the following changes to the Statues and Financial Orders at Congress have been made.
Statutes European Confederation of Police November 2024
Proposed amendment by Scottish Police Federation. Seconded by BTPF, Passed 23 Member Organisation’s in favour 1 Member Organisation voted against.
Article 8 Ordinary Committee Meetings
8 6 Only one (1 ) Committee Meeting a year (Spring ) in which hotel accommodation costs will be paid for Delegates by EuroCOP
8.6.1 The number of delegates each organisations can send where hotel accommodation will be paid for are described. In 8.4.1.
8 6 2 This does not stop Member Organisations sending officials to the Committee Meetings/ Congress at their own costs EuroCOP will not be responsible, for payment of any hotel Accommodation booked independently by Member Organisations for the Autumn Meeting.
Finance Orders European Confederation of Police November 2024
Recommendation of EuroCOP Ex-com Passed unanimously by Member Organisation’s 1.1 Level of subscription
The Executive Committee recommend the subscription fee ( 1. 66 as of 2025 per member of organisations declared membership ) and will rise each year in line with the published October Eurostat Index There will be a 2 year review of this process of indexing the level of subscription
Recommendation of EuroCOP Ex-com Passed unanimously by Member Organisation’s
1.4 Observer Status/ Associate Membership
Organisations with Associate Membership will pay 1Euro per member per year, with a subscription cap of 20,000 Euros This type of membership is restricted to Police Charities and those Organisation’s that sit outside the geographical area of Europe
1.1 Level of subscription
TheExecutiveCommitteewillrecommendthesubscriptionfee(1.66asof2025permemberoforganisationsdeclared membership)andwillriseeachyearinlinewiththepublishedOctoberEurostatIndex.Therewillbea2yearreview ofthisprocessofindexingthelevelofsubscription
Thelevelofsubscriptionswillbeannuallyreviewedbythemembersofanordinarycommitteemeetingnotlaterthan Novemberofeachyear
1.2 Minimum/ Maximum Subscription
TheMaximumAnnualSubscriptionforanindividualmemberorganisationirrespectiveofthesizeofitsmembership willbe60,000Euros.
TheMinimumAnnualSubscriptionfeeforfullmembershipshallnotbelessthan2,000Eurosperyearirrespective ofthesizeoforganisation
TheExCOMmayapproveadelayinpaymentoraspecialarrangementforMOinexceptionalandindividualcases. Thearrangementislimiteduntiltheendofthefinancialyear
1.4 Observer Status/ Associate Membership
OrganisationswithAssociateMembershipwillpay1Europermemberperyear,withasubscriptioncap of20,000Euros ThistypeofmembershipisrestrictedtoPoliceCharitiesandthoseOrganisation’sthat sitoutsidethegeographicalareaofEurope.
OrganisationswithObserverStatuspayduringthefirstyearofaffiliation25%oftheannualmembersubscriptionas laiddowninArticle1.1.Fromthesecondyearofaffiliationtheannualassociatedsubscriptionshallriseeveryyearby anadditional25%oftheannualmembersubscription.ObserverStatusshallbeforamaximumof3years
2.1 Financial year
Thefinancialyearendson31stofDecembereachyear.
2.2 Payment of subscription
TheannualsubscriptionsshallbepaidbyMemberOrganisationsbefore1stofFebruaryineachyear.
2.3 Other sources of income
EuroCOPmayfinanceactivitiesfullyorpartlythroughcontributionsfromexternalsources,sponsorsorfunding providedthatthisisnotinconflictwiththeindependenceandgoalsofEuroCOPasdeterminedintheStatutesandon decisionoftheExCOM.
2.4 Budget
TheExCOMshallprepareabudgetforapprovalbythemembersofanordinarycommitteemeetingonanannualbasis.
TheExCOMisresponsibleforthemanagementofthefinancialresourcesandassetsofEuroCOP.
TheExCOMwillprepareanannualstatementofaccountsfortheapprovalofmembersatanordinarycommittee meetingeachyear.
Theauditorsshallreviewtheinstructioneachyear Anyproposedchangeoramendmentshallbebroughttothe attentionoftheExCOM.
EuroCOPfundsmaynotbeusedtoreimburseanyexpenseincurredbymemberstravellingto orfromanOrdinaryCommitteemeeting,oranextraordinarymeetingofCongress TravelingexpensesandaccommodationshallbepaidbyEuroCOPto:
RepresentativesonassignmentofEuroCOP WorkingGroup/KnowledgeGroup
ForConferences,Seminarsandotheractivities,wherememberorganisationsareinvitedtoattend,theExCOMdecides oneachoccasionontheexpensearrangementsthatshallapply.
DelegateswhoseMemberOrganisation’sareinarrearsonpaymentofsubscriptionsshallnotbeeligibletoreclaimany expensesovertheperiodinwhichtheyremaininarrears.
TheExCOMandtheAuditorsshalllaydowndetailedregulationsconcerningreimbursementofexpensesrelatedto travel.Theseregulationsshallreviewedregularly.
Theauditorwillprepareanannualwrittenreportdetailinghis/herobservationsonthemanagementand administrationoffinanceswithinEuroCOP.
TheAuditorshallbeprovidedwithunfetteredandreasonableaccesstoEuroCOPfinancialrecords.TheEuroCOP AuditorsreportwillbeprovidedtotheappointedaccountantsofEuroCOP.
ThereportshallcontainarecommendationforadecisionbytheCommitteeinrelationtothequestionoffreedomof responsibilityfortheExCOMfortheauditedfinancialyear.Ifthereisareasonforcommentsontheaccountsthe auditorsshallasktheExCOMforanexplanationbeforethecommentsbeincorporatedintothereportforpublication toMO.
TheExCOMisinchargeofthemanagementandadministrationofthefinancialresourcesandassetsofthe Confederation.Themanagementandregularadministrationoftheeconomicresourcesshallbeperformed underthedirectionoftheTreasurer,asdescribedintheStandingOrders.Thedaytodayoperationsnecessaryforthe managementofthefinancialresourcesoftheConfederation,aswellas bookkeepingandinterimbalancesoftheaccountsshallbeunderthedirectionandcontroloftheTreasurerandHeadof Office
TheTreasureralongwiththeappointedbookkeepermaintainstheaccountingsysteminaccordancewiththelegal provisionsapplicabletoanon-profitorganisationinLuxembourg. NofinancialcommitmentshallbemadewithouttheexpressagreementoftheExCOM.Daytodayandurgentexpenses aswellasexpensesbelow€2.500maybeauthorisedbytheTreasurerandHeadofOffice,andshallbebroughttothe ExCOM'sattentionsatitsnextregularmeeting.InmattersthatcannotbepostponedthePresidentorVice Presidentcanalsoauthorisethepayment.
TheTreasurerwillpresentaquarterlyreporttotheExCOMthatmirrorsthecurrentstateoftheorganisation'sfinances aswellthedevelopmentinrelationtotheagreedrunningbudget.
Thebookkeepingisdonebyaqualifiedbookkeeper.TheTreasurerandHeadofOfficewillmaintainregularcontact.
The Treasurer shall for this purpose be informed regularly about the state of the organisation's accounts and movement’sthathaveoccurred.
BookkeepingaccountsshouldcorrespondtothebudgetheadingsoftheConfederation'sbudget.Allexpensesaretobe
thoroughlyspecified,sothatthebookkeepertaskedwiththeirentryknowsexactlywhich accounttheyneedtobeincludedin Inordertoensurecompletetransparencyallincurredexpensesaretobeexactly describedwhentheclaimisfiled.IncasesofdoubtonlytheTreasurercandecidewhichaccountanexpenditureneeds tobeincludedin.
Technicalandproceduralaspectsshouldbeclarifiedwiththetaxconsultantinadvance.
Thefinalbookingsforaclosureoftheaccountshavetobedonebytheexternalconsultantthatisresponsibleforthe annualbalanceofaccounts.
Payrollaccountingandcommunicationwiththetaxofficeisundertakenbytheexternaltaxconsultant'soffice.
EuroCOP'sshallmaintainbankaccountsatanybank(s)thataredeemedappropriateforthesafemanagement ofEuroCOP’sfinances
ReservesheldbyEuroCOPmaybeinvestedforthebenefitofEuroCOP Suchinvestment,ifmade,willbewitha recognisedwealthfundmanagerandinaccordancewithanyinvestmentpolicyagreedbythemembers.
3.3 Execution of transactions from EuroCOP accounts shall take place as follows:
3.1.1 Banking business via hardcopy money transfer forms
AuthorityProfile
ProfileA=President,Treasurer,orHeadofOffice.(2of3)
EuroCOPhastwocreditcardsatitsdisposal.
Alltransactionshavetobeaccompaniedbytheoriginalreceipt.
Iftheoriginalreceiptcannotbeprovidedthefinalsettlementhastobesupportedbypersonallysignedstatement.
ThereimbursementoftravelexpenseshastobejustifiedbythetravelregulationsofEuroCOP.
TheContributionandreimbursementoftravelexpensesisonlypossibleonthebasisofadulycompletedandsigned claimformwithinsixweeksaftertheevent.
Thevalidityofaclaimshallbeprovenbyareceiptattachedtotheclaimform.
IfareceiptcannotbeprovidedwiththeclaimformitisalsosufficientiftheHeadofOffice-hasseenproofoftheclaim (ie theflightticket) InthiscasetheHeadofOfficeshallnoteontheclaimformthatareceiptwaspresentedwith her/hisinitials.
Ifnoproofcanbeprovidedaclaimmayonlybeacceptedifitissupportedbyapersonallysignedstatementthatthe claimedcostwasactuallyincurred.
TheTreasurerwilldecidewithregardtothevalidityofaclaimincasesofdoubtwhetherareimbursementisjustified ornot.
AderogationofthisprocedureisonlypossibleinindividualcasesuponadirectionoftheTreasurer/Head ofOfficeandshallbenotifiedontheclaimform.
Beveragesconsumedinameetingcontextdonotjustifyanyreimbursementclaims.Theseexpensescanonlybe reimbursediftheyareincurredinconnectionwithanactualrepresentationortheentertainmentofaguest.
Areimbursementoftravelexpensesshallasageneralruletakeplacethroughabanktransfertotheaccountofthe organisationofthedelegateclaimingthecost.
Paymentofexpensestodelegatesfrommemberorganisationsthathavenotpaidtheirduesubscriptionsafter 1stFebruaryofthecurrentyearmayonlybeexecutedaftersubscriptionshavebeenpaidortheExCOMhasagreedto proceedwithpayment
AllfurtherdetailsonreimbursementoftravellingcostsbyMembersandtheExCOMwhenattendingmeetingsother thanthosedescribedinArticle124arelaiddowninthetravellingexpensesagreementthatisanappendixtothe FinancialOrders.
Articles
1 The European Confederation of Police
Membership 2 3.
Aims and Objectives
Congress 4.
5 Executive Committee & Principal Officers
6 Head of Office , Treasurer & Auditor
7 President
8. Ordinary Committee Meetings
9. Sub Committees
10. Finances
11. Use of Funds
12. Suspension ; Termination of Membership ,& Interpretation of EuroCOP Statutes
13. Complaints & Conduct
14. Language
15 Dissolution of EuroCOP
Article 1 The European Confederation of Police
1 1
1 2
1.3
The European Confederation of Police hereinafter referred to as EuroCOP is a Federation of Police Unions and Professional Police Staff Side Associations or Federations in Europe.
The Secretariat of EuroCOP shall be at a location determined by its members.
EuroCOP is independent from governments, political parties and philosophical, theosophical or religious communities or organisations.
Article 2 Aims and Objectives;
2 1 The aims and objectives of EuroCOP shall be to:
1) safeguard, protect and improve the rights and interests of police officers in Europe
2) develop co-operation and harmonious relations between its members
3) co-operate with like minded organisations
4) pursue improvement in the status, training and qualifications of police officers
5) pursue improvements in policing standards
6) ensure police officers enjoy the same civil rights as are enjoyed by other citizens
7) secure the participation and influence of EuroCOP members in the administration, development and planning of policing initiatives
Article 3 Membership
3 1
3 3 3.4
Application for Membership of EuroCOP shall be open to any police representative organisation in Europe interested in furthering the aims and objectives of EuroCOP.
An application for admission as a member shall require a recommendation from the Executive Committee and approval of 2/3 of the available votes at an ordinary committee meeting of the members
Membership shall be limited to Full Member, Observer Member & Associate Member In
order to become a full member an organisation has to fulfil the following conditions:
1) The organisation is a national or other recognised representative organisation for police officers.
2) The organisation is legally constituted in its own country as one which represents, and negotiates on behalf of its members in respect of their pay, conditions of service and welfare.
3) The internal structures and composition of the organisation’s bodies as well as decision-making procedures are transparent and governed by democratic rules.
4) The organisation is financially sound and financed by regular subscriptions from its members
3 5 An organisation that is a national representative organisation of police officers that is restricted, due to national legislation, and not able to fully comply with the conditions of membership can apply to become an Associate member
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.6
3 6 1
3 6 2
3 6 3
Associate membership shall be at the absolute discretion of EuroCOP.
Associate members must shall comply with any conditions of membership as shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
An organisation that meets the conditions of membership and is in the process of considering application as a full member can apply to become an Observer member of EuroCOP.
Observer membership shall be at the absolute discretion of EuroCOP. Observer
membership shall be for a maximum of three years after which the observer member must seek full membership status or shall cease to be an Observer member.
Observer members shall pay such a membership fee as may be determined by the Executive Committee in accordance with any direction from Congress.
An extraordinary Congress can be convened to deal with matters of such importance that cannot await an ordinary Congress.
An extraordinary Congress may be convened where the Executive Committee, or 50% of the member organisations request such, and where the ordinary committee meeting of the members decides by a 2/3 majority of votes to convene an extraordinary Congress
Delegates to an extraordinary Congress shall be the same delegates as for an ordinary committee meeting, but delegates shall be entitled to cast the number of votes for their organisation at an ordinary Congress.
An extraordinary Congress shall only deal with the matter(s) that necessitated that Congress
An extraordinary Congress shall last not more than one day
5 1 The Executive Committee shall, subject to any direction or restriction laid down by Congress, be responsible for the day to day running and governance of EuroCOP
The Executive Committee will comprise 5.2 5 3
The Executive Committee is the executive authority of EuroCOP.
No more than three members from the Northern Region
No more than one member from the Nordic and Baltic Region
No more than two members from the Southern Region
No more than one member from the Central Region
No more than one member from the Eastern Region
The President of EuroCOP
And shall at no time comprise fewer than five members
5.2.1
5 2 2
5 2 3
5 2 4
5.2.5
The Nordic and Baltic region includes Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The Northern Region includes the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Monaco, Andorra, and Poland.
The Central Region includes Switzerland, Lichtenstein, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia
The Southern Region includes Portugal, Gibraltar, Spain, Italy, San Marino, Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and Albania.
The Eastern Region includes Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Kosovo* (*UNSCR 1244/1999)
5 3
5.4
5.4.1
5 5
With the sole exception of the member organisation from which the President is elected, no member organisation may hold more than two positions on the Executive Committee
The Members in each region shall only be able to vote for the Executive Committee member(s) in their region
A Member Organisation with more than 60,001 members shall be entitled to appoint one member to the Executive Committee , in addition to the number required by statute 5 3
A candidate seeking election to the Executive Committee shall intimate in writing his or her intention to stand for election to the Head of Office and shall give not less than 90 days’ notice (save that on any occasion the timescales may be modified with the unanimous agreement of an ordinary committee meeting of the members). For the purposes of this Rule ‘in writing’ shall include by facsimile or electronic
5 5 1 5.6 5.7 5 8
A candidate must have a nominator and seconder from their electoral region
The President shall appoint a Vice President from the elected members of the ExCOM.
The President, Vice President, and Treasurer shall be the Principal Officers of EuroCOP
The full Executive Committee will meet not less than twice a year with the Principal Officers meeting not less than four times a year At least one meeting should where possible shall be in person.
Article 6 Head of Office.
6.1 The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the appointment of a Head of Office to assist with the day to day running of EuroCOP
6.2 6.3
6.4
6 5
The Executive Committee shall pay due regard to the views of the members prior to the appointment of a Head of Office.
The Head of Office may be elected from amongst the members of EuroCOP
The Head of Office shall be an additional ex-officio member of the Executive Committee.
The Head of Office shall act in accordance with any direction and responsibilities vested in him/her by the elected Principal Officers of EuroCOP including but not limited to;
1) The provision of secretariat services to the Executive Committee, the subsequent Congress, any Ordinary Committee meeting, or other meetings held during his/her period of appointment.
2) Lodging and filing with, and furnishing to, the appropriate authorities all such documents as may be legally required
3) Preparing briefing notes, papers, and reports as may be required from time to time.
6.2
6 2 1 Treasurer
The Treasurer will be elected by the Member Organisation’s with a term of office of 4 years
The Treasurer will be regarded as a Principle officer of EuroCOP
The Treasurer will act in accordance with the EuroCOP Financial orders and will manage the finances of EuroCOP, The Treasurer shall keep the ExCOM and Membership updated on the fiscal landscape of the organisation.
6.3.1 Member Organisations shall elect an internal Auditor from amongst its membership at Congress for a period of 4 years
The Auditor will undertake an annual audit on the organisations compliance of its function and its financial management
The Auditor shall provide a report on the organisation function and its Financial Management to the ExCOM prior to the Autumn Committee meeting and to Congress which then be presented to Member Organisations by the Auditor Article 7. President EuroCOP
7.1 7.2 The President of EuroCOP will be elected by the members.
A candidate seeking election as President shall intimate in writing his or her intention to stand for election to the Head of Office and shall give not less than 45 days’ notice (save that on any occasion the timescales may be modified with the unanimous agreement of an Ordinary Committee meeting). For the purposes of this Statute ‘in writing’ shall include by electronic mail.
A candidate for President must
1) be supported in their candidature by their member organisation, and
2) have a nominator and seconder from a member organisation, other than their own, 7.2.1 and
3) come from a member organisation that is a full member
7.3
7 3 1
In the event more than one candidate is proposed an election shall be by secret ballot.
Other than in an election that may require to be conducted under the provisions of statute 6 3 8 the voters will be supplied with a ballot paper and instructions on how to vote
3) The approval of the annual accounts
4) Decisions on the acquisition or disposal of assets
5) The appointment of members to any subcommittee established in accordance with rule 9 1
6) Approve the terms of reference for such subcommittees 7) The approval or disapproval of any application for full, observer, or associate member.
8) The suspension, and conditions of suspension of any member
9) The expulsion of any member The number of delegates and
Subject to the provisions of rule 8 4 2, delegates are expressly prohibited from splitting their vote(s) and, unless abstaining on the matter in hand, must cast their vote in its entirety either in support or in opposition of the proposal before the Committee
Only one (1 ) Committee Meeting a year (Spring ) in which hotel accommodation costs will be paid for Delegates by EuroCOP.
8.6.2 This does not stop Member Organisations sending officials to the Committee Meetings/ Congress at their own costs. EuroCOP will not be responsible, for payment of any hotel Accommodation booked independently by Member Organisations for the Autumn Meeting.
9 1 9.2 9 3
The Executive Committee may establish any subcommittee for any purpose and duration, and size as appears to be appropriate for the good and efficient running of EuroCOP Participation in any subcommittee meeting may be video or audio conference If not appointed by the Executive Committee, a subcommittee must appoint from amongst its members a secretary and a chair whose responsibility will be to report its function to M O
A minute of any meeting of a subcommittee must be prepared and made available to the Executive Committee and for the information of the members. 9 4
10.1 EuroCOP may raise, establish and maintain funds:
1) By means of subscriptions from member organisations.
2) By borrowing money from members or any other person or persons or body corporate, etc., on such security and upon such terms as may from time to time be arranged by interest earned on capital and by commissions.
3) By acceptance of donations or gifts whether directly or by bequest providing the acceptance of such donations or gift shall not or shall not appear to affect or interfere with the impartial status of EuroCOP
4) By the sale of periodicals, articles or publications and such other matters or items which can be considered incidental to and compatible with the objects and purposes of EuroCOP.
5) By any other legitimate means as may be approved by Congress.
6) There will be a minimum and maximum subscription fee for membership to EuroCOP.
7) A Minimum full Subscription fee shall be set at 2000 euros ( Two Thousand Euros) and a Maximum Subscription full membership fee, shall be set at 60,000 Euros ( Sixty Thousand Euros ) for any organisation with a membership that exceeds 60,001.
10.2.1 The member subscription shall be determined by the voting members at an ordinary meeting of EuroCOP, following an annual recommendation from the Executive Committee .
11.1 Congress shall prepare and adopt policies and rules regarding collection and expenditure of EuroCOP funds and assets.
Without prejudice the generality of the foregoing, EuroCOP funds may be put to the uses set out in the following paragraphs of this article.
Where there is ambiguity of the EuroCOP Statues , the Executive Committee in the first instance will seek to understand the problem that these Statutes have sought to address. It will seek a comprise on the interpretation that will be acceptable to Member Organisation’s by virtue of a vote on the issue where a two- third majority will be required on a change of interpretation of a specific EuroCOP Statute.
EuroCOP shall establish and maintain procedures for the investigation of complaints or allegations of misconduct on the part of a Member Organisation or an individual acting on behalf of EuroCOP
Article 14 Language
14.1 Correspondence
All correspondence with EuroCOP shall be in English, unless the ExCOM agrees otherwise
14.2 Working Language
All written information from EuroCOP to member organisations as well as documentation for meetings of the bodies of EuroCOP will be disseminated in English.
By way of written motion provided to the Head of Office 45 days prior to a Congress by a Member Organisation which is seconded by another Member Organisation that is not within the same region of the originator of the proposal the dissolution of the Confederation may be decided by Congress with a two-third majority.
In the case of dissolution, the Confederation’s assets will be divided among the member organisations in accordance with their membership numbers, after settlement all obligations towards the Confederation’s staff and all debts and liabilities towards third parties.
EuroCOP is the umbrella organisation for police unions and staff organisations in Europe. We represent 30 police unions and staff organisationsacrossEuropeaswellasover230,000policeofficersin25 European countries EuroCOP is tackling issues from police cooperation across borders to a safer working environment for police officers on the street. We are determined to contribute to European policy debates and provideaddedvaluebygivingapractitioners’perspective.
SinceEuroCOP’screationin2002wehavebeenfightingtopromotefour keygoals:
ASocialEuropeforPolice
InternalSecurityinEurope
SafetyforthePolice
SolidarityandNetworkbuilding
ByworkingtowardstherealisationofthesegoalsEuroCOPissupporting European police forces to keep our society safe and secure. We want Europetobetheplace,wherepoliceofficersareoperatingtogetherinan environment of equality, safety and support, provided with the rights, resources,andtrainingtokeepEurope’scitizenssafeandsecure.
With this 2024 European Parliament Elections Manifesto we call on all European democratic parties and candidates as well as newly elected MEPsandCommissionerstoendorseourvaluesandprioritiesinorderto buildafairandsecureEuropeanUnionthrough3commitments
COMBATVIOLENCEAGAINSTTHEPOLICE
GUARANTEEFAIRWORKINGCONDITIONSANDSOCIALRIGHTSFOR POLICEOFFICERS
FACILITATECOOPERATIONANDINFORMATIONEXCHANGEBETWEEN POLICEFORCESINEUROPE
Only fair and adequate working conditions will help address challenges with regards to the recruitment and retention of police officers in EU Member States.
EuroCOP is calling on policy makers to:
Ensure that Europe’s policemen and women are provided with the appropriate support, training and resources needed to carry out their duties Member States shall guarantee adequate funding to police forces so that they can perform their duty as well as transparent and targeted spending of EU funds so that financial resources help address real issues on the ground.
Guarantee to police officers adequate wages, so that they can also be an effective tool in the fight against corruption In line with ETUC Manifesto (the European Trade Union Confederation), we call for the introduction of a European framework to promote upward convergence on wages, and stronger action at EU level to eliminate the gender pay gap.
Propose adequate working time provisions for police officers, including increase of workers’ control over working time, reduction of workload and overtime This can be achieved via potential revision of the Working Time Directive as well as correct enforcement of this Directive by Member States
Defend and strengthen collective bargaining, as well as trade unions’ and workers’ rights (right to organise, union access to workplaces and the right to strike)
Recognise the role of mental health and addressing mental health disorders and post trauma effects as a priority in case of police officers. Encourage exchange of best practice and streamline European funding
EuroCOP sees urgent need in enhancing common trust between Members States and their authorities It is essential that the specific border management responsibilities and the related challenges of certain Member States are taken into account While recognising the fundamental differences that exist among police forces in Europe, as well as the sovereign right of EU Member States to govern law enforcement within their territories, it is of utmost importance that any obstacles that hamper enhanced police cooperation in the EU are removed.
EuroCOP is calling on policy makers to:
Further enhance cross-border police cooperation, for instance by granting a more prominent role for the law enforcement cooperation agency Europol, criminal justice cooperation agency Eurojust and the EU border agency Frontex.
Address human trafficking with additional means to fight such international crimes (European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling / Europol coordination / Exchange of information).
Encourage Member States to improve cooperation at national level between competent safety authorities. The European Commission's efforts to improve international cooperation and co-ordination between Member States are in vain if the central governments themselves do not make a commitment to incorporate the same willingness to co-operate internally There are still gaps in this respect A failure to cooperate in one place may have fatal consequences for the rest of the European territory.
Coordinate European approach to prosecuting and preventing eco-crime. The impact of climate change on police officers in Europe must be recognised at a European level. Europe’s police officers will bear the brunt of climate change’s effects – in terms of involuntary migration and population displacement, increases in radicalisation, human trafficking and organised crime, as well as mass civil unrest.
Recognise the role of police officers in identifying the conditions for entering the country by (illegal) migrants and seeking asylum. This is especially relevant in the context of Russian aggression in Ukraine and hybrid threats. Encourage Member States to increase the role of police forces in addressing the flow of illegal weapons and terrorist threats.
Further streamline access to information The political agreement reached in November 2023 on automated data exchange for police cooperation (Prüm II) is welcome in that respect. EuroCOP will closely follow its final adoption and implementation.