The bill governing non-profit associations and foundations was approved by a majority vote of 54 in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday.
Under the new legislation, associations with an annual turnover exceeding €50,000 or assets surpassing €100,000 will be subject to a dual audit of their funds.
The bill introduces three categories of non-profit associations, with stricter obligations imposed on larger ASBLs. Notably, the requirement to publish membership lists will be abolished, and ASBLs will have the flexibility to restructure without dissolution.
In addition, the bill aims to align the law with the guidelines established by the Financial Action Task Force, an international body dedicated to combatting money laundering. This measure intends to prevent the potential financing of terrorism through associations, ensuring the utmost security.
The Alternative Democratic Reform Party (adr) and the Left Party (déi Lénk) voted against the bill, expressing reservations about its potential to truly modernise and streamline the administrative processes of non-profit associations (ASBL).
The adr believes that numerous small associations already exceed these thresholds and therefore have more resources at their disposal.
The Left Party expressed regret over the adoption of a model designed for professional associations and foundations, believing that it may negatively impact voluntary work.
The other political parties supported the implementation of double control measures, citing the importance of transparency for members.
It is worth noting that the bill was initially introduced in 2009 by Luc Frieden, the former Minister of Justice. It took over a decade for the bill to be passed, involving two amendments before reaching its current form.
