EABIP Bylaws
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
updated as at 20.08.2025
European Association for Bronchology
and Interventional Pulmonology
________________
Permanent Office – Convin
29 K. Varnali Str.,
15233 Chalandri, Athens
ARTICLE 1 – NAME
Those signing these articles of association hereby form an association under the name of: “European Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology”
ARTICLE 2 – OBJECTIVES
The non-profit-making association, EABIP, set up at the initiative of European pulmonology practitioners, has the object of fostering:
- The emergence of a European association bringing together highly qualified specialists in the field of bronchology, interventional pulmonology, medical thoracoscopy, together with all related medical activities,
- Promoting high standards of clinical practice, education and research in bronchology, interventional pulmonology, medical thoracoscopy, together with all activities related thereto combined under the name of “interventional pulmonology”,
- Promoting a high-quality education and learning experience for members of the association,
- Contributing to the improvement of public health and the well-being of the population by promoting international scientific and academic exchange and the sharing of knowledge in relation to the objects of the association,
- The sharing of knowledge with other national and international associations,
- The organisation, every two years, of a congress of the association under the name of “European Congress for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology”,
- To support, as far as possible in the intervening period, international events (conferences, symposia, practical studies and hands on courses related to interventional pulmonology
- The submission of articles to the journal “Respiration”, which is the association’s publications body.
- Promoting IP in collaboration with the national associations in Europe
ARTICLE 3 – REGISTERED OFFICE
The registered office is fixed at:
Permanent Office – Convin
29 K. Varnali Str., 15233
Chalandri, Athens
It may be transferred to any location on decision of the members within an ordinary general assembly.
ARTICLE 4 – DURATION
The duration of the association is unlimited.
ARTICLE 5 – MEMBERSHIP
The association is made up of:
– Founder Members
The following persons, having taken part in setting up the association, are treated as founder members: Heinrich Becker (President), Chris Bolliger (Vice President), Felix Herth (secretary), Lutz Freitag, Αnos Strausz, John Nakhosteen, Franco Falcone, Vincent Ninane Miloslav MarelMark Krasnik
– Active members
Active members are to participate in the activities of the association and pay an annual subscription fee of which the amount is fixed each year by the executive committee.
To be an active member, one should be registered as a healthcare professional, active in the field of IP.
Legal entities may be members of the association. They are represented by their legal representative or any other person duly authorised for this purpose. Regardless of the number of natural persons who represent it, the legal entity is entitled to one vote only.
Active members are welcomed to take part in the general meetings, committees, task forces and other EABIP-endorsed or EABIP-organised activities.
– Board of National Delegates (BOND)
The board of National Delegates is composed of active members representing their country’s pulmonologists. If a vacancy arises, all the members belonging to this country will be notified to apply.
One national delegate per country is appointed from active members by the executive board, after inviting self-nominations, and if necessary conducting elections, where we have more than one interested and eligible candidate.
The term of the National Delegate mission is 3 years with option for one renewal.
Their role is to be the link between the EABIP and their country in order to promote our association, enrol new members and enhance educational activities of the association.
They can ask the EABIP for support in terms of education and training.
National delegates take part in the general meetings on a consultative basis.
They can be active in different committees or task forces.
Participate at BOND meetings which will be arranged during the ECBIP and also intermittently online.
ARTICLE 6 – LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS
The capacity of member of the association is lost:
– by letter of resignation sent to the president of the association;
– by death;
– by disappearance, winding-up or merger, in the case of a legal entity member;
– in case of non-payment of the annual subscription
– in case of exclusion decided by the executive on serious grounds, the member in question having been previously invited to explain him/herself.
In this event, notice of exclusion is served by letter sent to the excluded member in recorded delivery or email, 10 days after the decision. The excluded member may, within 30 days of this notification, appeal against this decision to the general meeting convened for the purpose within 180 days.
ARTICLE 7 – THE ASSOCIATION’s RESOURCES
The association’s resources consist of:
– subscription fees paid by the members who are liable;
-income from the conduct of congresses/ courses
– grants that may be agreed by the State or other public authorities;
– sponsorships
– individual donations, specifically in the context of sponsorship or patronage;
– capital derived from savings made on its annual budget,
– any other resource authorised by the law;
ARTICLE 8 – ACCOUNTING RECORDS
Accounting records will be maintained and monitored by the Financial Director-Permanent Office, following the country’s registration and taxation policies and procedures of non – profitable associations. Permanent Office will keep the Treasurer informed at all times and upon President’s approval the Legal Representative will execute all financial transactions on behalf of EABIP
ARTICLE 9 – EXECUTIVE
– Composition
The association is administered by an executive composed of no more than 7 members, elected for 3 years by the general meeting. The 7 voting members will hold the following positions:
– President;
– President-Elect;
– Past President;
– Secretary;
-Director, Finance and Industry Relations
– Director, Membership and Education
– Director, Communication and public Affairs (website, socials, newsletters etc)
Conference president of next ECBIP conference will be invited to relevant meetings of the executive committee.
Manager (assists in the functioning of the executive committee, in all matters, but does not have voting rights)
Legal entities are represented by their legal representative in office or by any other person duly authorised for this purpose.
The elected members of the executive are chosen from a list approved by the ex-office members or by the outgoing executive.
– Conditions of eligibility
To be eligible to stand for election to the executive, the following conditions must be met:
– to be an active (or enrolled) member for 2 consecutive years
– to be over 18 years of age;
– to have submitted one’s candidacy for the executive no later than 30 days before the election date.
– Method of ballot
Members of the executive are by the “first-past-the-post” system on a relative majority. Elections maybe conducted physically as well as online
– Majority
The majority is that of members present or represented.
– Representation of absent members
Proxies may be given to another member of the association only.
– Renewal of the executive
The executive committee is renewed by half at least every 3 years; outgoing members may stand for re-election, for a maximum of one further term.
For the first renewal(s), members to stand down are drawn by lots (with exception of the secretary).
All members of the executive committee serve for a period of 3 years (except for President-Elect who becomes President after 3 years, and acts as Past President for 3 years, that is, a total of 9 years).
Members of the executive committee (besides President) can be re-elected for one further term in the executive committee.
– Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy, the executive will see to the temporary replacement of the member or members. A permanent replacement will be made at the next general meeting or by online voting. The powers of the members thus elected cease at the time when the terms of office of the replaced members should normally expire.
In the event of a vacancy, the executive will see to the replacement of the member or members. The powers of the members thus co-opted cease at the time when the terms of office of the replaced members should normally expire.
In the case where their term of office expires and failing new elections, the members of the executive and, in particular, the president, stay in office until the following election in order that the association is always provided with organs empowered to represent it, direct its affairs and act on its behalf.
The executive has all the powers that are not reserved to the general meeting by the articles to manage, direct and administer the association in all circumstances.
The executive is charged with implementing the decisions and policy defined by the general meeting. It deals with the day-to-day management of the association and reports to the general meeting.
The executive may delegate powers for any given question and for a limited period of time.
ARTICLE 10 – EXECUTIVE MEETING
The executive committee meets as many times as is necessary, at least (quarterly), on notice from the president, or at the request of at least a quarter of its membership.
Decisions are taken on a simple majority vote.
In the event of a tied vote, the president has the casting vote.
The executive may only pass resolutions validly if 4 out of 7 votes in favour.
Online ballot is authorised in accordance with the procedures fixed in the internal rules of procedure.
Any member of the executive who fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings without excuse shall be treated as having resigned.
The agenda of meetings is determined by the president.
Members of the executive may ask for items to be included on the agenda. In this event, the request must reach the association at least 8 days before the date of the meeting.
The executive may co-opt persons capable of shedding light on a particular item on the agenda, on a consultative basis only.
Minutes are drawn up of meetings, prepared by the manager and signed by the president and the secretary.
The minutes are written up with no blanks or erasures, on numbered sheets initialled by the president and consigned in a special register, kept at the registered office or filed electronically by the manager.
ARTICLE 11 – THE PRESIDENT
The president is charged with carrying out the decisions of the executive and ensuring the association operates properly.
The president represents the association in all acts of civil life. He is in particular authorised to be a party to legal proceedings as defendant in the name of the association and as applicant, with the authorisation of the executive. In the same conditions, he may enter appeals and applications for re-trial.
He may reach a settlement only with the authorisation of the executive.
The president convenes the general meetings and executive and chairs all the meetings.
In case of absence or sickness, he is replaced by the President-Elect, and in the event the latter is prevented, by the most senior member or by any other member of the executive specially delegated by the executive.
He oversees the current account over the association’s name, with any bank or lending institution. He generates, signs, accepts, endorses and pays any cheque and payment order to operate accounts, in conjunction with the Legal Representative.
He may delegate to another member of the executive, to a representative of the association or any person whom he considers relevant, some of the powers listed above.
However, representation of the association in justice, failing the president, can only be dealt with by an authorised representative acting by virtue of a special power of attorney.
ARTICLE 12 – THE SECRETARY
The secretary is charged with everything connected with correspondence and archives. He/She drafts the minutes of meetings of the general meetings and executive and, in general, all written matter relating to running the association, with the exception of that relating to keeping the accounts.
ARTICLE 13 – Other Executive Committee Members
The Director of Finance is charged with management of the association, collects income, makes payments, under the control of the president. He keeps regular accounts of all transactions and renders account thereof to the general meeting, which rules on the management.
However, expenditure in excess of 500 euros must be authorised by the executive and countersigned by the president or, failing him in case of impediment, by any other member of the executive.
The purchase and sale of negotiable securities are carried out with the authorisation of the executive.
The Director of Finance (and industry relations) and the President open and operate any deposit or current account in the association’s name, with any bank or lending institution. Both can generate, sign, accept, endorse and pay any cheque and payment order to operate accounts. They are able to delegate some of their powers and duties to other members of the executive.
The Director of Finance oversees all accounts/ financial matters and also collaborates closely with industry partners, in the pharmaceutical and device field.
The Director of Membership (and education) liaises with all the members, ensuring that payments and membership matters are kept up to date. He/ She will contact and remind people who have not renewed their membership, and present a summary of membership related matters at every AGM. He/ she will work in close collaboration with the Manager of EABIP. In addition, they will work to enhance educational activities, such as courses and workshops organised or endorsed by EABIP.
The Director of Communication and public Affairs (Website, socials, newsletters etc) collaborates very closely with the website company and manager, to ensure smooth functioning of the website and constantly enhance the contents of the website, with material related to education, courses and research. He/She works with the executive committee, BOND delegates and wider membership to constantly refresh and enhance the contents of the website, besides stimulating research activities with our partners.
All EC members share responsibility to enhance both scientific progress and education in the field of interventional pulmonology [article 20].
ARTICLE 14 – GENERAL MEETINGS
General meetings are composed of all the members of the association.
Its decisions are binding on all. The general meetings are ordinary or extraordinary.
Resolutions of the general meeting are passed by a show of hands. A secret ballot may be requested by the executive.
ARTICLE 15 – ORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS
An ordinary general meeting is convened once a year and every time it is necessary, by the president or at the request of at least 20% of the membership.
The agenda is fixed by the executive and is stated on the notice of meeting.
The notice of meeting must be sent out at least 15 days in advance by e-mail or newsletter through the good offices of the manager.
Only items included on the agenda may be the subject of a decision.
Any questions lodged with the secretariat by members 8 days before the date fixed for the general meeting, will be added to the agenda.
The general meeting receives the reports on the executive’s management and on the financial standing of the association.
It approves the accounts of the previous fiscal year, votes on the budget for the following fiscal year and, where appropriate, renews the members of the executive.
The decisions of the ordinary general meeting are validly taken by majority of the members present or represented.
An attendance sheet will be distributed during the AGM that needs to be completed by all members present.
Decisions are taken on a simple majority vote.
In the event of a tied vote, the president has the casting vote.
Only members whose subscription fees are up-to-date have the right to vote.
ARTICLE 16 – CONGRESS OF THE EABIP (ECBIP)
The congress of the EABIP is held every two years
The location of ECBIP is chosen by the following process:
All members are invited to submit an application if they wish to host the Congress.
They are then invited to present their case at the AGM. Members are asked to vote and the venue with the maximum votes is selected. Online voted may be conducted if necessary..
The ECBIP president builds the scientific program that has to be approved by the EABIP executive.
The ECBIP President liaises very closely with the executive committee throughout the process of planning the program.
A draft program is presented to the executive committee at least a year ahead of the congress.
LOC should collaborate with EABIP’s Office, as depicted on Appendix
ARTICLE 17- EABIP ENDORSED COURSES
A structured application form is to be completed, including aims and objectives of the course.
The course organizer should complete the endorsement form,available on EABIP’s website,which the executive board will evaluate and endorse accordingly.
ARTICLE 18- DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution decided voluntarily or by the articles of association or a court, the extraordinary general meeting appoints one or more liquidators and, where appropriate.
ARTICLE 19 – MINUTES
The proceedings and resolutions of general meetings are written up by the manager with no blanks or erasures, on numbered sheets initialled by the president and consigned in a special register, kept at the registered office.
ARTICLE 20 – INTERNAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
If it considers it necessary, the executive may draw up a set of internal rules of procedure designed to determine the detail for implementing these articles of association.
These are put before the general meeting for approval.
ARTICLE 21 – FORMALITIES
The president is charged with accomplishing the formalities of declaration and publication, on behalf of the executive committee.
The executive committee may give an express power of attorney to any person of his choice to accomplish the formalities of declaration.
These articles of association have been approved by the Executive Committee in the meeting held on 05/08/2025
They have been drafted in as many original copies as there are interested parties, of which one for declaration and one for the association.
| President | Past-President | President-Elect |
 |
 |
 |
| Grigoris Stratakos | Mohammed Munavvar | Erik H.F.M van der Heijden |
| date: 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 | date: 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 | date: 28 SEPTEMBER 2025 |