Association Statute

An Association, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, is established under the name “GREEK UNION FOR THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS” (greek aronym: EEASKP). Its foreign name in English will be “GREEK UNION FOR THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS”. The headquarters of the Association is the city of Patras in the Prefecture of Achaia and the Association may operate, following a decision of the Board of Directors, information, support and coordination offices for members in the Prefectures of Ilia and Aitoloakarnania and more broadly in the Region of Western Greece.

The Association’s objectives are:

1. Informing and educating members and the wider community about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Multiple Sclerosis, providing information on the latest scientific developments and prospects in the fight and treatment of the disease, promoting any information to improve the conditions and living conditions of People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – People with Multiple Sclerosis,
2. Exchange of material, opinions and thoughts through cooperation with other associations of People with Multiple Sclerosis (PMS) – as well as through the secondary body of the PAMS, as well as the joint organization of events, expression, advocacy, etc. on the issues of concern to People with Multiple Sclerosis (PMS),
3. Cooperation with sponsors from the private initiative sector for social research, information campaigns, funding, etc. and the formation of working groups and committees, as well as assigning work to specialists to achieve individual goals,
4. The actions of searching for and activating volunteers for the purposes of the Association,
5. The comprehensive education and regular information – training of volunteers in order to provide the Association with the appropriate framework for both the promotion and strengthening of the volunteer spirit as well as training on issues of awareness, networking, publicity and support for People with Multiple Sclerosis – People with Multiple Sclerosis,,
6. The voluntary provision of social and humanitarian support to individuals and vulnerable population groups such as people suffering from MS – multiple sclerosis and their families, as well as other physical illnesses that have direct social and mental impacts,
7. Cooperation with bodies with the aim of transferring know-how and planning actions on issues related to the objectives of the Association and its development and more generally on issues that promote social cohesion and prosperity,
8. Cooperation and networking with other similar associations, associations, organizations and institutions, of all levels such as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary bodies of PWDs (People with Disabilities), PWDs (People with Multiple Sclerosis-People with Multiple Sclerosis) and chronically ill people as well as participation in networks and partnerships of bodies that aim to develop actions and activities to eliminate any form of exclusion of disadvantaged, vulnerable or threatened individuals or groups,
9. Taking actions and participating in organized actions concerning the provision of any support to individuals and vulnerable population groups, those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and other population groups, without exception, who are affected or threatened with direct social and psychological impacts,
10. Undertaking initiatives aimed at informing and raising awareness of public opinion and those who influence groups of individuals, and in particular those responsible for health policy, health and social security service providers, social agencies, People with Multiple Sclerosis and their organizations on issues of preventive – screening, early diagnosis and treatment of the disease και ψυχοκοινωνικής αποκατάστασης, as well as for the rights of PwMS – People with Multiple Sclerosis as defined by the Constitution, the current legislation, the law of the European Union and generally the internationally applicable ones for the rights and quality care of PWDs – People with Multiple Sclerosis,
11. Participation in programs, funded, co-funded or not, and in any form of organized actions in order to achieve the objectives of the Association and its development in various sectors,
12. The active defense of the rights of people with multiple sclerosis, the coordination of the actions of all members of the Association to defend by all legal means the moral and material interests of people with multiple sclerosis and contributing to interventions to defend, advocate and assert the rights of PWDs – People with Multiple Sclerosis towards public or private providers of health and social security services, scientific, professional or social bodies, as well as to political forces and authorities, the Government, the Parliament, the European Union and to any State, European or International Authority,
13. The pursuit of active support from the relevant state authorities and the broader social community, raising awareness and informing about MS – Multiple Sclerosis, as well as improving the infrastructure for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by MS – Multiple Sclerosis,
14. Proposals, awareness initiatives, and the promotion of issues and concerns of Persons with MS to the relevant state authorities, local governments at all levels, policymakers, and social institutions, aiming for their unrestricted and equal participation in the educational, economic, social, athletic, and cultural life of the country,
15. The establishment of advisory centers and recreational centers for members, as well as the creation of a library to strengthen bonds and efforts aimed at spreading the spirit of solidarity and cultivating relationships among association members, as well as with members of other associations, clubs, and federations in Greece and other countries with similar or complementary objectives,
16. The provision of urgent humanitarian, food, and development aid to populations in developing countries to achieve economic and social development and participation in organized actions by other specialized organizations,
17. The provision of urgent humanitarian aid to populations in developing countries, with initiatives in the field of health, particularly regarding Multiple Sclerosis and the rehabilitation of Persons with MS, as well as the promotion of respect for human rights and participation in organized actions by other specialized bodies,
18. Collaboration with scientific and intellectual institutions, volunteer organizations, local and national public and private entities, as well as research centers and universities both in Greece and abroad, to promote research and information on the management of the disease, and contribution to interventions for the disease promoted by the state or international organizations,
19. Charitable activities of EEASKP in any form (food distribution, meal provision, etc.) for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis.
20. The association’s activities are not determined by any public or private for-profit organization.

Means for Achieving the Association’s Objectives:

1. The development of various scientific, educational, intellectual, and social activities through seminars, meetings, lectures, publications, events, presentations, etc.,
2. Collaboration and exchange of materials, opinions, and ideas with other associations of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), as well as through the secondary body POAMSKP, including joint organization of events, advocacy, and engagement on MS-related issues. Collaboration with national and international federations of volunteers and MS patients, as well as public and private institutions, organizations, foundations, legal entities, and research centers with similar objectives,
3. Submitting petitions, reports, and administrative appeals to national, European, and international authorities. Filing, supporting, and contesting legal claims before national and international courts, as well as representing MS patients before administrative or judicial authorities for the protection of their rights and the association’s objectives. Carrying out actions before public, municipal, and other entities, organizations of all kinds, physical or legal persons, and all Greek courts of various levels and jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court, the Council of State, and special appeal committees, using all lawful legal remedies as permitted by law,
4. Organizing collective movements, gatherings, meetings, and public events,
5. Coordinating the association’s activities through ongoing engagement with policymakers, media, and public opinion,
6. Creating working groups, scientific committees, professional staffing, and delegating tasks to experts for the proper organization of volunteers and achieving specific association goals,
7. Developing a strategy for promoting and disseminating the association’s objectives and activities using all available media to raise public awareness and support members’ concerns,
8. Participating in initiatives, programs, and interventions of organizations, public institutions, and international entities to advocate for MS-related issues and broader public health and social protection matters,
9. Organizing and participating in all philanthropic programs aimed at providing assistance to Persons with MS, including food distribution, meal services, etc.,
10. Undertaking or participating in research projects by national ministries, the European Union, or other organizations (national or international),
11. Collaborating with sponsors from the private sector for social research, awareness campaigns, funding, etc.,
12. Utilizing any other lawful and effective means to achieve the association’s objectives.

The duration is indefinite. The dissolution of the Association is explicitly defined by the provisions of Article 41 of this statute.

The Association consists of: a) Regular Members, b) Friends, c) Supporting Members and d) Honorary Members.

One can become a Regular Member of the Association upon application if he/she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or a proven similar or related condition, regardless of his/her degree of disability. All citizens of this country, as well as EU and third-country nationals who meet the above criteria and legally reside in Greece, have the right to become regular members of the Association. Anyone wishing to become a member must submit:

1. An application to the Board of Directors (BoD).
2. A certificate from State Health Committees or a diagnosis from a State Hospital explicitly confirming that they suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
3. Two (2) face photographs.

Regular members are required to work towards promoting the Association’s objectives, avoid activities that conflict with its purposes, and pay the membership fee set by the Board of Directors (BoD). Any member whose actions oppose the Association’s goals, obstruct the implementation of decisions of governing bodies, or act arbitrarily is subject to the following disciplinary actions, depending on the severity of the misconduct: a) Recommendation for compliance b) Written reprimand c) Permanent expulsion
Penalties are imposed upon the proposal of any member by decision of the Disciplinary Committee. Any complaint must be formally submitted in writing to the BoD, which convenes the Disciplinary Committee. The accused member must present their defense to the Disciplinary Committee and may submit any evidence to support their innocence. If they provide evidence to the BoD, they are entitled to receive a receipt.
The penalty may be revoked following the same procedure. The decision must be justified, referencing both the relevant statute article and the violation committed. If a member falsely accuses another with intent, leading to the conviction of the falsely accused, the accuser is expelled from the Association.
A member may also be removed upon her/his written request to the BoD, effective three (3) months after submission. A member may also be removed if she/he no longer meets the membership criteria, with the decision made by the BoD.

A Friend Member can be any individual, as well as a relative of a Person with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), who wishes to contribute assistance to the Association and whose contribution aims at the success of the Association’s objectives as stated in the Statute. Friend Members are registered in the Friends’ Registry and are required to pay membership fees.

Upon application, Supporting Members are registered by the Board of Directors (BoD). These are individuals who wish to offer financial, material, or moral assistance to the Association at regular intervals. Supporting Members may, upon the recommendation of the BoD, participate in or form committees to help achieve the objectives outlined in the Statute. Supporting Members are recorded in a separate registry and are not required to pay membership fees.

Honorary Members are individuals who have provided outstanding services to the Association, worked toward its objectives, or, due to their personal status or position in society, can significantly contribute to achieving the Association’s goals. Honorary Members are declared as such by unanimous decision of the BoD. Honorary Members are not required to pay membership fees.

All members are required to:

1. Strictly comply with the Association’s Statute, the internal operating regulations, the decisions of the General Assembly, and the Board of Directors (BoD).,
2. Regular and Friend Members must pay their annual membership fee (preferably at the beginning of each calendar year), as determined by the BoD.,
3. Regular members are required to participate in the General Assemblies of the Association, its conferences, voting procedures, and elections,
4. All members must attend and actively participate in General Assemblies, various events, and activities of the Association.

All Regular Members have the right to participate in all activities and events of the Association and to visit its offices and premises. Regular Members who have fulfilled their financial obligations may personally attend General Assemblies or be represented by a family member through authorization, and they may vote on all matters. Candidates for the BoD etc. are eligible one (1) month after their registration. They also have the right to request the convening of a General Assembly as stipulated in the Statute. All members may submit written inquiries to the BoD regarding any matter and appear before it.

Membership is lost upon written resignation, submitted to the Association’s General Secretary and addressed to the BoD, provided that all financial obligations up to the time of submission are settled. The resignation request must be accepted by the BoD if submitted at least three (3) months before the end of the fiscal year (Article 87 of the Civil Code). A departing member has no claim to the Association’s assets and remains liable for membership contributions accrued during her/his time as a member.

The BoD has the right to expel any member who:

1. No longer meets the membership qualifications,
2. Has delayed payment of her/his dues for at least two years. Members expelled for non-payment may reinstate their membership by fulfilling their financial obligations,
3. Fails to comply with the Statute, does not follow the decisions of the General Assembly or the BoD, or engages in actions contrary to the Association’s purpose and principles.

Decisions made by the BoD regarding expulsions, taken by legal majority, may be contested by the expelled member at the first regular General Assembly following the decision. Contesting the decision does not suspend its execution. If the expulsion is overturned by the General Assembly, it is considered never to have occurred. The expelled member may also appeal to the Judicial Authorities for redress under Article 88 of the Civil Code.

The Association’s resources are categorized as regular and extraordinary.
Regular resources include revenues from annual membership fees and registration fees paid by members. The Board of Directors (BoD) has the right to adjust annual fees and registration charges.
Extraordinary resources consist of:
a) Contributions, donations, benefactions, and bequests.
b) Revenues from fundraising campaigns and lotteries.
c) Revenues from organizing various events (raffles, dances, etc.) planned by the BoD.
d) Any income generated from the management of the Association’s assets.
e) Grants, subsidies, and financial assistance to the Association from the government, local authorities, or other entities and organizations, domestic or foreign.
f) Voluntary extraordinary contributions from members, as well as special contributions imposed by the BoD. g) Revenues derived from any other event or celebration organized by other associations or individuals in support of the Association, or events in which the Association participates or co-organizes.
All funds collected by the Association from these sources are deposited in a bank branch selected by the BoD, except for €1,000, which is kept by the Treasurer to cover current expenses. Withdrawals from the bank account require authorization from both the Treasurer and the President of the Association.

The governing bodies of the Associatione are: a) the Board of Directors (BoD), b) the Audit Committee (AC), c) the General Assembly (GA) and d) the Disciplinary Committee (DC).

The Association is governed by a seven-member (7-member) Board of Directors (BoD), elected by the General Assembly through secret ballot and simple majority elections held every three years. In addition to the seven (7) elected BoD members, five (5) alternate members are also elected in order of success following the election of the main BoD members, using the same ballot.
BoD members must be predominantly Greek citizens. However, non-Greek citizens may also be elected, provided they hold a residence permit in Greece. BoD members must have the right to vote and be elected under the provisions of this statute and the law. They must not be under legal guardianship, restriction, or supervision, and they must have full management rights over their assets.
BoD members are obligated to implement the decisions of both the BoD and the General Assembly, ensuring that these decisions comply with Greek legislation, European Union regulations, and the lawful objectives of this statute.
Any member deprived of his/her political rights, whether automatically or through a court decision, cannot serve as a BoD member for the duration of this restriction.
On the same day of the election, a three-member Audit Committee (AC) is also elected. BoD and Audit Committee members are elected separately by the General Assembly. The duration of the BoD, AC, representatives in federations and in POAMSKP is three years.

Ten (10) days after the election of the Board of Directors (BoD), the member with the most votes convenes the newly elected Board under their presidency to elect the President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Special Secretary. These positions constitute the Executive Committee of the Association.
Within one week, the newly formed BoD officially takes over from the outgoing BoD through formal handover protocols, receiving all archives, stamps, registers, books, and the Association’s assets, becoming accountable for its management. The remaining elected regular members serve as advisors.

The BoD holds regular meetings once a month, and extraordinary meetings whenever the President deems necessary. It can also be convened upon a written request from four (4) BoD members, specifying the reasons for the meeting. The President must call such a meeting within ten (10) days.
The BoD can decide to meet at shorter intervals and may also hold meetings via teleconference in urgent situations affecting the Association and its members.
The BoD has quorum if at least four (4) members are present, including either the President or Vice President. Decisions are made by a majority vote of those present through an open ballot, except for personal matters, which may be voted on in secret. In the event of a tie, the President’s vote prevails.
BoD decisions take effect upon their entry into the official record book and must be signed by members present at the time of decision-making. During meetings, the BoD deliberates and decides on matters related to the Association’s objectives, excluding those exclusively under the jurisdiction of the General Assembly.
Once ratified, BoD decisions become binding on all members. If at least three (3) members submit a written request within ten (10) days for reconsideration of a decision, it is discussed at the next BoD meeting.
BoD members are strictly prohibited from disclosing decisions, actions, thoughts, or discussions that, by their nature, must remain confidential to prevent harm to the Association.

Any BoD member who unjustifiably misses three (3) consecutive meetings is considered to have resigned, and their resignation is automatically accepted. The Secretary notifies the member in writing, and the first alternate fills the vacant position. The same procedure applies to members who submit a written resignation.
A resigned member may be reinstated if a vacancy arises, provided their resignation was not due to disciplinary or criminal misconduct. The BoD President may be removed by a BoD decision if they refuse to convene the BoD as required under Article 18.
If the BoD determines that a member persistently neglects their duties, disregards assigned responsibilities, or fails to comply with BoD decisions, it may decide, by absolute majority, to replace or refer them to the Disciplinary Committee for possible dismissal, unless they voluntarily resign.
If an Executive Committee position becomes vacant, all BoD members convene for an extraordinary meeting to elect a replacement from among themselves.
If five-sevenths (5/7) of the BoD members resign, all remaining members (regular and alternates) are deemed to have lost their positions. In such cases, a General Assembly with electoral and financial reporting functions must be convened within sixty (60) days to initiate the election process for new BoD and Audit Committee members. The resigning BoD continues to perform its duties until the official handover to the newly elected BoD.

The Board of Directors (BoD) holds full administrative authority over the Association, evaluates and decides on all matters presented by the President concerning the Association.
During meetings, the BoD discusses and makes decisions on all topics relevant to Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) that align with the Association’s objectives and mission. It manages and oversees the Association’s resources, assets, and overall affairs, implements the Action Plan, and enforces all decisions made by the General Assembly (GA).
Additionally, the BoD appoints and dismisses employees and service staff of the Association, ensuring compliance with labor laws and defining their compensation, obligations, and duties. It convenes the Regular General Assembly once a year, and Extraordinary General Assemblies whenever necessary for the Association’s benefit, determining the agenda of the meetings.
The BoD is responsible for enforcing the provisions of this Statute, the internal regulations, and its own decisions. It corresponds with authorities, agencies, organizations, and all legal and natural entities. When necessary, it selects and employs a Legal Advisor for the Association’s needs.
By January 15 of each year, under the Treasurer’s responsibility, the BoD prepares and submits for approval at the Annual General Assembly:
a) The budget of revenues and expenditures for the upcoming year.
b) The financial report and balance sheet of the previous year.
The BoD forms committees, consisting of advisors and Association members, to fulfill its objectives.
If an issue arises that is not explicitly regulated by this Statute, then National Law, including the Civil Code, Association Legislation, and relevant jurisprudence, apply. The BoD makes final decisions on such matters after consulting the Legal Advisor.

The President of the Board of Directors is also the President of the Association. The President serves as the Association’s legal representative, meaning they act on behalf of the Association before all state authorities, judicial, municipal, administrative bodies, as well as natural and legal persons, and in all matters concerning the Association.
The President oversees the proceedings of the General Assembly and the meetings of the Board of Directors. They convene the Board for meetings, co-sign documents and meeting minutes with the Secretary, and ensure strict adherence to the Association’s Statute. They authorize payments for financial warrants and, when deemed necessary, request financial reports or accountability from the Treasurer. The President co-signs with other board members any relevant transactions recorded in the Treasurer’s, Secretary’s, and other Association archives, supervising their work and the accuracy of records.
The President presides over the Board and ensures timely implementation of decisions. They oversee compliance with the Association’s Statute and internal regulations, monitoring members who neglect their obligations. The President may also chair committee meetings. Alongside the Vice President, they set the agenda, open and close Board meetings, moderate discussions, allocate speaking time, revoke speaking privileges if necessary, and put matters to vote.
The President supervises all Association matters and, in urgent situations, has the authority to take actions that safeguard its interests without prior Board approval—if delays would be detrimental. However, all such decisions must be submitted for approval at the next Board meeting. They also arrange General Assembly meetings and report on the Board’s activities. In cases where the President is absent or unable to perform their duties, the Vice President assumes their role, and if the Vice President is also unavailable, the senior-most board member takes over.

The Vice President substitutes for the President when they she/he is absent or unable to fulfill her/his duties, carrying out all responsibilities outlined in Article 21 for the President. If both the President and Vice President are absent or unable to serve, the most senior board member takes over their duties as described in Article 21. By decision of the Board, part of the President’s duties may be temporarily or permanently assigned to the Vice President. Even when not replacing the President, the Vice President is required to actively ensure the implementation of the Board’s decisions.

The General Secretary safeguards the Association’s seals and archives, maintains and updates the membership registry by category, and manages correspondence records. He/sh keeps and draft the Board’s minutes, which may be in print or electronic format and stored in a dedicated file. The General Secretary oversees correspondence, stamps, and co-signs meeting minutes and documents with the President, as well as financial warrants. He/she also drafts the administrative report and handles the Association’s office affairs. If the General Secretary is absent or unable to serve, the Special Secretary steps in; if both are unavailable, the most senior board member assumes the role. Should the General Secretary fail to perform their duties in accordance with the regulations, the Board will replace them within ten (10) days.

The Special Secretary carries out tasks assigned by the Board, reporting these to the General Secretary and the President. They act as the primary assistant to the General Secretary, actively supporting their responsibilities. The Board may also grant them specific special duties and responsibilities. If the Special Secretary fails to fulfill their duties in accordance with the regulations, the Board will replace them within ten (10) days

The Treasurer maintains financial records, collects Association funds with official receipts, and makes payments with proper documentation (receipts, invoices, warrants) signed by the President and General Secretary. They process postal and bank checks addressed to the Association and report their transactions to the Board. In urgent cases, the Treasurer may authorize payments up to five hundred euros (€500.00) with approval from the President and General Secretary, provided that the expense will be reviewed at the next Board meeting. Amounts exceeding one thousand euros (€1,000.00) must be deposited in the bank chosen by the Board, and all expenditures require Board authorization.
The Treasurer keeps financial records, balance sheets, and any other necessary management documents. They ensure timely updates to the financial records, never exceeding thirty (30) days after a transaction. They report the financial status to the Board monthly, seek approval for expenses incurred, propose budget allocations for upcoming months, and provide financial recommendations. They are accountable for any financial irregularities and bear disciplinary, legal, and civil responsibility for the Association’s financial management.
The Treasurer of the Association reports the financial status of the Association to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis, requests approval for expenses incurred based on payment receipts, seeks pre-approvals for the following month’s planned financial obligations, and proposes the best course of action for the Association’s finances.
He/seh is responsible and accountable for any financial irregularities and bears disciplinary, criminal, and civil liability for the overall financial management of the Association.
At the end of each fiscal year, the Treasurer drafts the Balance Sheet and Financial Report and submits them for Board approval by January 15th of the following year. They also prepare the Budget of revenues and expenses for the upcoming year by the same deadline.
The Treasurer presents these financial documents at the General Assembly after prior review by the Audit Committee. Additionally, they manage the Association’s assets and maintain a property ledger.
If the Treasurer is unavailable, a Board-appointed member will temporarily replace them. If the Treasurer is absent for more than three (3) months, the Board will permanently replace them. Should they fail to execute their duties in accordance with the regulations, the Board will replace them within ten (10) days

Board members and members of the Audit Committee may not simultaneously be salaried employees of the Association. Exceptionally, and with a Board decision, it is reasonable to cover expenses for travel, accommodation, representation, and execution of funded programs by the European Union or other entities, as required for specific services benefiting the Association.

ΟAdvisors assist the Presidium in carrying out its duties. The Board of Directors, to distribute tasks efficiently, assigns specific responsibilities to the advisors.

The President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Special Secretary form the Presidium of the Association. The Presidium meets when necessary, following a verbal invitation from the President, and is considered to have a quorum when at least two other members, apart from the President, are present. These meetings are informal; minutes are not recorded, and official or binding decisions are not made.
The duties of the Presidium include:
a) Studying issues concerning the Association and individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS),
b) Developing solutions and submitting relevant proposals to the Board,
c) Monitoring and ensuring the timely implementation of decisions made by the General Assembly and the Board,
d) Taking all necessary actions to enhance the Association’s operation.

If deemed necessary, the Board may establish temporary or permanent committees to address various Association needs and improve its functionality. Committees consist of Board members or other Association members selected by the Board. If a Board member is part of a committee, they serve as its chair; otherwise, the Board appoints a chair. Committees operate strictly within their assigned responsibilities and may not take independent or unchecked actions beyond Board oversight. Any funds collected by a committee must be immediately transferred to the Treasurer with an official receipt from the Association. No committee member receives compensation for their services within the scope of committee duties; however, necessary expenses for transportation or representation may be covered by a Board decision

The Board establishes a five-member Disciplinary Committee (DC) consisting of three Board members and two independent Association members, selected by a majority Board vote.
The Disciplinary Committee serves a three-year term.
It is obligated to uphold the Association’s statutes and impose sanctions on members whose actions conflict with the Association’s objectives, obstruct decision implementation, or act against Board and General Assembly directives. Disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the violation, may include:
a) A formal warning for compliance,
b) A written reprimand,
c) Permanent expulsion.
Sanctions are imposed following a Board recommendation and must be officially communicated in writing to the accused member. The final decision is reached by a majority vote of the Association’s Presidium. The accused member must respond to the Disciplinary Committee, present any evidence supporting their defense, and may have the penalty revoked following the same process.
The Disciplinary Committee’s decisions must be justified by citing the relevant statute article and the violation. It is required to submit its decisions to the Board and present them at the next Regular Assembly of the Association.
Committee members are strictly prohibited from disclosing decisions, actions, thoughts, or discussions that occur within the committee, as their confidentiality is essential to prevent any harm to the Association.

During the elections for the Board of Directors, a three-member Audit Committee is also elected. Its mission is to oversee the Board’s operations, review the financial records, and submit a report on the financial activities and transactions of the Board to the General Assembly.
The elected members of the Audit Committee (as outlined in Chapter Eight – Elections) must convene within ten (10) days following their election under the chairmanship of the member who received the most votes. In this meeting, they elect the following positions via voting: a) President, b) Secretary of the Audit Committee, and c) Alternate member.
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the Association’s financial affairs, supervising the management of revenues, expenses, assets, and overall financial decisions made by the administration.
It has the authority to call an extraordinary General Assembly within its term and raise a confidence issue regarding the Board if there is undeniable evidence of violations of the Association’s statutes. This authority implies an obligation to convene an extraordinary General Assembly within the year, but only if there is concrete evidence of financial misconduct by the Board or gross negligence in administrative duties.
For this purpose, the Committee prepares and announces a justified report fifteen (15) days before the extraordinary General Assembly, during which the issue of confidence is decided by a relative majority vote of the Assembly members. If an attempt to defame the Board by the Audit Committee is identified, all members of the Committee will be dismissed from their positions by a majority decision of the General Assembly.
The Audit Committee has the right, whenever deemed necessary, and is obligated, upon the request of the Board or the General Assembly, to conduct financial audits of the Association, its committees, and branches. It examines revenue sources, amounts collected, and the legality of expenditures in accordance with the Association’s statutes, budget, and Greek legislation.
After each audit, the Audit Committee is required to draft a report within ten (10) days, detailing findings, including any financial irregularities. This report must be submitted to the Board of Directors, signed by all Committee members.

The number of Association representatives in Federations and POAMSKP is determined according to the statutes of the respective Federations and POAMSKP. Representatives are elected for a term of three (3) years, following the procedure outlined in Chapter Eight: Elections of this statute or as required by the administrative procedures of the Federations.
Candidates running for the Board of Directors (BoD) or the Audit Committee (AC) may also be candidates for representative positions in Federations and POAMSKP. Only Regular Members of the Association have the right to vote and be elected.
Representatives are obliged to advocate for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) within the Association, promote the Association’s objectives, and refrain from any activities that conflict with its mission. They must also act in accordance with the decisions of the BoD and the General Assembly (GA) of the Association and strictly follow the resolutions of the governing bodies.
Representatives are prohibited from acting arbitrarily or disregarding the decisions of the BoD on any matter concerning EEASKP and its members. Disciplinary sanctions applicable to Regular Members who fail to comply with the governing body’s decisions also apply equally to representatives in Federations and POAMSKP.

General Assemblies (GA) of the Association members are categorized into Regular and Extraordinary. The GA is the highest and most authoritative body of the Association, and its decisions, when made in accordance with this statute and relevant national laws, are binding on all members without exception.
The General Assembly oversees all matters related to the Association, including electing and dismissing members of the Board of Directors (BoD), the Audit Committee (AC), and the Association’s representatives in the GA of Federations and POAMSKP. It decides on the administration’s accountability and actions, approves the Balance Sheet, Financial Report, and Budget, defines the Action Plan, and determines the sale, utilization, or mortgaging of the Association’s properties. It also provides guidance on the implementation and regulation of this statute.
Only Regular Members who have paid their membership dues up to and including the day of the General Assembly—before its commencement—have the right to vote. Members who have not settled their financial obligations do not have the right to speak or vote in the General Assembly.

General Assemblies of members are convened following a decision by the Board of Directors, and the convening of the General Assembly is communicated fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting date to the members via an invitation. The invitations for the General Assemblies must clearly state the location, date, and time of the Assembly, the topics for discussion, and whether the Assembly is regular or extraordinary. They must be signed by the President and the General Secretary or the Audit Committee when convened by the latter.
Additional topics may be added to the agenda and discussed, provided they are included before the start of the Assembly and either receive unanimous approval from the Board of Directors or are proposed by 1/3 of the members entitled to participate. These topics are discussed immediately after the other agenda items. In Assemblies that are held following a postponement, the addition of new topics is prohibited, and any discussion or decision on an issue not included in the original invitation is invalid—except for a topic presented before the start of the General Assembly and signed by 3/4 of the present members.
The convening of a General Assembly may also be requested by 1/2 of the regular members entitled to participate, through a written request to the Board of Directors specifying the reason for the Assembly. In such a case, the Board of Directors must schedule an extraordinary General Assembly within one month.

The quorum is confirmed at the beginning of the meeting. For this purpose, an attendance register is opened, where the convened General Assembly is recorded, along with the names of members, their membership numbers, and their signatures. The Assembly remains valid regardless of the number of members who leave afterward. To be considered in quorum, at least half of the financially up-to-date members must be present. If there is no quorum in the first General Assembly, a second meeting is convened within eight (8) days at the same place and time with the same agenda, where quorum is established regardless of the number of members present.

General Assembly meetings are conducted by a three-member Presidium elected for this purpose by the attending members. One serves as the President of the Assembly, and another as its Secretary. Members of the Presidium cannot be members of the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee. In election-related Assemblies, members of the Presidium cannot be candidates for the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee. The Secretary of the Assembly records the proceedings, and these minutes must be submitted within twenty (20) working days to the Board, signed by all Presidium members. Decisions in the General Assembly are made by a majority vote, requiring more than half of the attendees. Decisions are invalid if the Assembly lacks a quorum. Voting is mandatory for all decisions. Votes regarding elections or confidence issues related to the administration are secret. Other votes are conducted by a show of hands unless half of the attending members request a roll-call or ballot vote, in which case that voting method is applied.

Regular General Assemblies must convene at least once a year, within the first quarter of the year, and are known as the Annual Regular General Assembly. The following matters must be addressed during the Annual Assembly:
a) The Board of Directors’ report on the Association’s activities for the previous year, followed by a vote for its approval,
b) The reading of the Audit Committee’s financial management report, followed by a vote for its approval and the discharge of Board members from liability,
c) The approval of the financial statement and balance sheet of the previous year, along with the budget for the current year,
d) The planning of activities for the current year.
Before discussing the agenda items, decisions are made regarding:
a) The expulsion of members,
b) Member proposals related to agenda topics.

The decisions of the General Assembly are recorded in a dedicated ledger, which may be in print or electronic format, stored in a special file maintained under the supervision of the General Secretary of the Board.

The final regular Assembly of the Board of Directors’ term serves as an Electoral and Accountability Assembly. During this session, the following takes place:
a) A three-member electoral committee is elected,
b) The list of candidates is announced based on submitted candidacy applications,
c) The exact election date is determined, which must be within two (2) months but no sooner than one (1) month, along with the start and end times of voting.
The invitation for the Electoral and Accountability General Assembly must be sent at least twenty-one (21) days in advance and should include information about the Association’s elections, as well as candidacy applications for the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and representatives of the Association in federations and the POAMS.
Members who wish to run and are legally eligible according to the law and the Association’s statutes must submit a formal candidacy application to the Board of Directors. This application should request inclusion on the appropriate ballot—either for Board of Directors candidates, Audit Committee candidates, or Association representatives in federations and the POAMS. Applications must be submitted to the Association’s offices no later than the day of the General Assembly.
The Board of Directors announces the qualified candidates who have applied, ensuring they meet the criteria and are financially compliant. A candidate list is posted in a visible location at the Association’s offices, and the corresponding ballots are prepared. Candidates who were not officially announced by the Board cannot be elected. Until the newly elected Board assumes office, the current Board handles the Association’s administrative affairs.
The Electoral Committee, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, sends a voting package by mail to all members at least twenty-one (21) days before the election day. This package includes election guidelines and instructions for postal voting.
If no candidacies are submitted or if the number of candidates is fewer than the required number of Board or Audit Committee members, the General Assembly has the right to nominate candidates from those present who meet the legal qualifications.

A three-member Electoral Committee is elected by the General Assembly during the Electoral and Accountability Assembly. This committee determines the election details, supervises the process, collects the ballots, conducts the vote count, and announces the results.
Immediately after its election, the Electoral Committee designates its President and Secretary. Members of the Electoral Committee cannot be candidates for any position in the elections.
The Electoral Committee has the right to request assistance, documents, and archives from the Board of Directors and the Presidium of the General Assembly to fulfill its duties. Upon assuming its role, the Committee receives an electoral register from the Board listing members eligible to vote, resolves any disputes, decides on objections, and manages all procedural aspects of the election. It collects candidacy applications for the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, and the Association’s representatives in federations, then prepares a single unified ballot (A4-sized) for each category.
On the election day, the Electoral Committee supervises the voting process, verifies voters against the electoral register, oversees the list of voters who sign upon voting, distributes ballots and electoral envelopes, and ensures the confidentiality of voting (e.g., by setting up voting booths and ballot boxes). At the end of voting, before counting the votes, it opens the ballot box to check whether the number of voters matches the number of electoral envelopes inside. If there are excess envelopes, the additional ones are randomly discarded.
The Committee then adds the postal ballots received in advance, recording the names of those who sent them in the voter list. It proceeds with the opening of envelopes and sorting of ballots. Each ballot is numbered and the number of preferences in each category (Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and Association Representatives) is recorded.
Next, the Electoral Committee drafts the election report and announces the results based on preference ranking:
a) The elected regular members of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and representatives in federations and POAMSKP.
b) The elected alternate members of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, and representatives.
For the election of Association representatives in POAMS, a designated member of POAMS’s Board must be present without voting rights. This member co-signs the election report and cannot be a member of the Association, in accordance with POAMS regulations. Similar procedures apply to other federations where the Association holds membership.
If a vacancy arises before the end of the three-year term of the Board of Directors, Audit Committee, or representatives, alternate members are called in sequence from the corresponding list. If the alternate list is exhausted or members decline, the Board may directly appoint regular members from within the Association without calling a General Assembly. For this purpose, at least five interested members are selected, and after accepting their nomination, a random draw determines the final choice.
The Electoral Committee officially declares the first seven successful candidates as regular members of the Board and the next five as alternates, replacing any resigning, deceased, or dismissed board members. The first three candidates with the highest votes are declared regular Audit Committee members, with the remaining serving as alternates. Similarly, Association representatives in POAMS or federations are determined based on majority votes.
A candidate cannot simultaneously run for both the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. In the event of a tie, the Electoral Committee conducts a draw, with the winner proceeding to the next available position.
The counting and preparation of the election report occur in the General Assembly meeting room where the elections took place. If this is impractical due to time constraints, the process is conducted at the Association’s offices.
During vote counting, the Electoral Committee prohibits candidates or unrelated individuals from approaching. However, it may enlist non-candidate volunteers to assist.

The Association is dissolved by decision of the General Assembly, taken with a majority of 3/4 of the financially compliant members present, in a meeting convened specifically for this purpose. Additionally, the Association is dissolved if its membership falls below ten (10) members. In the event of dissolution, the Association’s assets are transferred to either a charitable foundation, a philanthropic association, or a charity organization in the city of Patras, as determined by the General Assembly. Members of the Association have no claim to its assets.

Any issue not covered by this Statute is regulated by the provisions of the Civil Code and applicable laws. Amendments to the Statute can be proposed either by half (1/2) of the eligible voting members or by the Board of Directors through the General Assembly convened for this purpose. A statute amendment requires a decision of the General Assembly, with at least half (1/2) of the financially compliant members present and a majority vote of three-quarters (3/4) of them.

Whenever deemed necessary, the General Assembly may, with a standard quorum and majority, decide on:
a) Establishing a Federation alongside other associations with similar or related objectives,
b) The Association’s participation in or withdrawal from an existing Federation of similar associations,
c) Supporting the creation of a Confederation representing organizations for individuals with disabilities and participating with its representatives,
d) The Association’s participation in international secondary or tertiary organizations, particularly those of EU member states or global organizations, as well as contributing to their establishment.

The General Assembly, convened specifically for this purpose, may decide on:
a) Merging the Association with another organization that has similar or related objectives,
b) Incorporating the Association into a union with other similar or related organizations. For the Assembly to have a quorum, at least 3/4 of financially compliant voting members must be present, and the decision requires a 4/5 majority. In such cases, the Association’s assets follow the merged entity or union, supporting its objectives.

The Board of Directors may establish Association branches across Greece when deemed appropriate, following a justified decision and an application by interested parties. Branches are governed by a five-member Administrative Committee, elected by branch members, operating under the Association’s Statute and internal regulations.
The Board supervises and guides branches via correspondence, special representatives, or direct visits by the President, General Secretary, or another Board member.
Each branch has a circular stamp displaying the Association’s name, its branch name, and the establishment year. Branch revenues, regardless of source, belong to the Association after deducting operational expenses and are submitted to the Association’s Treasurer.
The Audit Committee oversees financial management. Branch administrations can convene General Assemblies and gatherings per the Association’s Statute. Branch members are automatically Association members.

The Board of Directors has the authority to appoint representatives of the Association from suitable executives or members, providing them with a written authorization valid for a specific period. This authorization must be stamped and signed by the President and the General Secretary.
Representatives may be revoked or dismissed by a justified decision of the Board. They are supervised by the President and the General Secretary and report to the Board on their activities.
Representatives serve without salary and are only entitled to necessary representation expenses (such as travel, accommodation, and participation costs) in accordance with the relevant decision of the Board.

The stamp of the association is round and bears its name in both Greek and English. By decision of the Board of Directors, the representation or symbol that will denote its logo is determined. The Association celebrates the last Wednesday of May, which has been designated as World Multiple Sclerosis Day (World MS Day).

The Association’s fiscal year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 of each year. The budget, balance sheet and report are prepared for each fiscal year by January 15. It is approved by the Board of Directors at its first meeting after submission and is then submitted for ratification to the Annual General Meeting of its members.

Upon proposal of the Board of Directors, the Association may hire salaried employees for the needs of its smooth operation and the service of its members. Their duties, remuneration and working conditions are determined by decision of the Board of Directors in accordance with applicable legislation. The Association has the right to cover any housing needs of itself and its branches, to lease, by decision of the Board of Directors, various suitable properties. The relevant lease is always in writing and is concluded by the Association through its legal representatives with the owner of the leased property. The representatives of the Association who signed it on its behalf never acquire rights as individuals from this lease.

This statute, consisting of 50 articles, was read, discussed and voted on article by article and in its entirety by the members of the General Assembly who were present at the General Assembly of April 7, 2013, which met for this purpose. It will enter into force upon its publication in the public register of Associations kept at the Court of First Instance of Patras.