Dear Members and Colleagues,
Over the last few months, it has come to our attention that API’s statutes need to be updated to comply with current Belgian legislation. During the review of the association’s legal framework, we also discovered that a proposed amendment to the statutes in 2016 was never formally adopted.
API has sought legal advice and, in due course, we will present members with a proposal for a new statute. We would also like to take this opportunity to consult our membership on possible changes and will invite you to provide comments and suggestions throughout the process.
Some amendments are mandatory in order to bring the statutes into conformity with the law. Other potential changes, such as introducing strict term limits for all elected positions, will be presented to members as options for consideration.
As an association of professionally remunerated journalists, we remain committed to ensuring that this principle is reflected both in strict adherence to our statutes and day-to-day practice.
The adoption of revised statutes will require a vote at an Extraordinary General Assembly.
To avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, it is essential that as many API members as possible participate in that vote. Both in-person and electronic participation will be available.
We therefore encourage all members to respond when the call for participation is issued. Broad engagement from the membership will be crucial to the success and legitimacy of this process.
Kind regards,
On behalf of the API
Vice-President Catherine Feore
Vice-President Christian Ernhede
President Dafydd ab Iago
